Prospective Evaluation of Body Image, Physical, Psychological, Sexual, and Social Outcomes After Posterior Aesthetic Rib Remodeling

Prospective Evaluation of Body Image, Physical, Psychological, Sexual, and Social Outcomes After Posterior Aesthetic Rib Remodeling

This prospective observational cohort will evaluate patient-reported and anthropometric outcomes after posterior aesthetic rib remodeling. Selected BODY-Q scales will measure body image, physical, psychological, sexual, and social function before surgery and through 12 months. Standardized waist and hip measurements will be collected at the same visits. The primary outcome is change in BODY-Q Body Image score at one year, and analyses will assess whether patient-reported improvement is associated with sustained waist reduction.

Adults who independently elect posterior rib remodeling will be enrolled before surgery. The study will administer a prespecified subset of licensed BODY-Q scales and will obtain standardized anthropometric and photographic measurements at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Each BODY-Q scale will be scored independently. Mixed-effects models will estimate change in body image and other functional domains, and regression analyses will assess whether changes correspond to objective waist reduction. Complications and major weight change will be incorporated into the interpretation of outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 to 65 years.
• Scheduled for posterior aesthetic rib remodeling after an independent clinical decision.
• Ability to complete validated Spanish-language BODY-Q scales and follow-up visits.
• Stable body weight for at least 3 months before surgery.
• Written informed consent for prospective data collection.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior posterior rib remodeling or rib resection.
• Planned pregnancy during the 12-month follow-up.
• Major weight-loss intervention planned during follow-up.
• Psychiatric or cognitive condition preventing reliable completion of patient-reported measures.
• Inability to complete baseline BODY-Q or standardized waist measurement.
• Participation in another intervention expected to independently alter body image outcomes during follow-up.