Podcaster Josh Fox has detailed the extensive and potentially painful reality of the 'rib contouring' surgery being undertaken by reality television personality Bec Zacharia, aimed at achieving a significantly smaller waistline. Zacharia, a participant on Married At First First Sight, initially backed out of the procedure in Bali but has since rebooked it.
Fox, who is documenting Zacharia's experience, explained on 2DayFM Breakfast with Nath & Emma that the surgery involves fracturing the lower, or floating, ribs. "It's almost like a needle either side and that shaves off and fractures your bottom ribs, the floating ribs, and then they can turn them in slightly," Fox said. He further described the recovery process, stating that individuals must wear a corset for 12 weeks, with the tightness of the garment determining the extent of waist reduction.
Zacharia, 35, confirmed her decision to proceed with the surgery in a video shared on Instagram, stating she had reconsidered after initially cancelling. "I want this, so I've made that decision for myself and I'm going ahead... My body my choice," she said. She indicated she made the final decision after realizing she felt disappointed rather than relieved when she initially canceled the procedure.
Fox suggested that Zacharia and other influencers undergoing the procedure are motivated by insecurity. "It feels bad saying it, but they're all just very insecure in my eyes," he stated. He noted that he decided to document the journey to "skew the narrative and ask questions" rather than allow only positive portrayals of the procedure.
The rib contouring surgery, which reshapes the lower ribs without bone removal, is not available in Australia. It has gained popularity among influencers, leading to online debate about the promotion of unrealistic beauty standards. Zacharia had previously arrived at a Bali hospital for the procedure but changed her mind moments before it was scheduled, citing a need for more time to consider. She emphasized that the company facilitating the trip had not pressured her to proceed.
Other reality television personalities have voiced concerns about the trend. Former MAFS star Domenica Calarco criticized the promotion of such procedures by "insecure women," while Beck Zemek cautioned against undergoing cosmetic surgery for insecurities that did not previously exist, stating, "Girls, you're breaking your rib cages."