Bec Zacharia, a star from Married at First Sight Australia, has announced she is traveling to Bali for rib contouring surgery to achieve a 'Barbie waist'. The procedure, which is highly restricted in Australia and other countries, has sparked backlash from fans and medical experts who warn of serious risks including collapsed lung.
What is rib contouring?
Rib contouring, also known as rib remodeling, targets ribs 11 and 12 to reduce waist circumference. According to a paper published in the National Library of Medicine, it has emerged as a trend among women seeking a smaller waist that would otherwise be humanly unattainable. The author, Alfredo E Hoyos, noted that even less invasive versions can 'result in severe postoperative pain requiring opioid treatment'.
Dangers highlighted by plastic surgeons
Plastic surgeons have warned that rib contouring can cause pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung. Dr Steven Teitelbaum, a Los Angeles-based plastic surgeon, told Allure: 'The risk of it will probably never be eliminated.' In 2025, a medical review concluded that there isn't enough evidence for the long-term safety of the procedure, stating: 'Rib remodeling appears to offer a less invasive alternative... However, the current literature is insufficient to provide conclusive evidence regarding the long-term safety and efficacy.'
International restrictions
The procedure is not approved in Australia, according to news.com.au. In Brazil, the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine has classified cosmetic rib remodeling as 'experimental'. José Armando Faria Jr, President of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, said: 'The CFM's decision is law and must be respected. If new studies emerge tomorrow that show safety, then a new evaluation can be requested. But, for now, it is prohibited.'
Backlash and support online
Fans reacted with shock to Bec's revelation. An Instagram account called Mafs Uncensored said: 'Young women are already being told they’re not thin enough... Do we really need to market yet another way to alter a healthy body?' Another user, Lexy Thornberry, commented: 'Having gone through cancer at 24... I hate to see something like this that puts a perfectly healthy young woman at risk.' However, some supporters wished her well, with one user saying: 'Sending you prayers for a safe procedure, you are beautiful either way.'
Risks of traveling abroad for surgery
The UK Government's Travel Aware campaign warns: 'All medical treatments carry risks and when you go abroad you have additional potential complications such as differing clinical standards, the need to cover the cost associated with unanticipated complications or emergencies, and difficulties travelling home post-surgery during recovery.' According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, risks include pneumothorax, nerve irritation, and failure of the rib's bone cortex healing. The ribs surround vital organs like the heart and lungs, and the procedure is performed close to these organs, as well as kidneys, nerves, and major blood vessels.
