Reshape Your Frame — From the Structure Up
Thoracoplasty (Chest Wall Contouring) in Ottawa with Dr. Mehrad Jaberi
Some things can't be fixed in the gym. If your ribcage flares out, your chest wall has a noticeable asymmetry, or your ribs are simply more prominent than you'd like — that's structural. No amount of cardio or lifting will change the shape of bone and cartilage. It's not a fitness issue, it's an anatomy issue.
Thoracoplasty — or chest wall contouring — is a specialized procedure that addresses the actual structure of your chest. It's not as well-known as some procedures, but for the patients who need it, it's genuinely life-changing. Dr. Jaberi has the surgical expertise to reshape the chest wall safely and achieve a smoother, more balanced contour.
Quick Facts
| Procedure Time | 2–3 hours |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Recovery | 2–3 weeks off work; 8–12 weeks full activity |
| Results | Permanent |
| Starting From | $12,000 |
What Is Thoracoplasty?
Thoracoplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the shape of the chest wall. While it was historically used primarily for medical reasons, the modern aesthetic application focuses on contouring the ribcage and chest structure to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance.
The procedure can involve reshaping or modifying rib cartilage, reducing rib flare, correcting asymmetries, and contouring the overall chest wall silhouette. Dr. Jaberi often combines these structural changes with soft tissue work — liposuction or fat grafting — to fine-tune the final contour.
Think of your chest wall as the frame of a house. Even with perfect paint, furniture, and landscaping, if the frame is uneven, something will always look off. Thoracoplasty corrects the frame itself, creating a foundation that everything else looks better on — whether that's how clothes fit, how your chest looks at the beach, or simply how you feel standing up straight.
This is a niche procedure — not every plastic surgeon offers it. Dr. Jaberi brings a combination of surgical training and aesthetic eye to each case, carefully planning the extent of correction needed while prioritizing safety and structural integrity.
Who's a Good Candidate for Thoracoplasty?
Chest wall contouring may be right for you if:
- You have prominent or flared ribs that create an uneven silhouette
- Your chest wall has noticeable asymmetry
- A wide ribcage affects how clothing fits or your body proportions
- Your concern is structural and hasn't responded to fitness
- You're in good overall health with realistic expectations
- You understand the recovery is more involved than soft tissue procedures
This procedure requires a thorough consultation. Dr. Jaberi will assess your chest wall structure, order any necessary imaging, and determine the best approach for your specific anatomy.
What to Expect — The Complete Process
Your Consultation
This is a detailed, hands-on evaluation. Dr. Jaberi will examine your chest wall structure, assess the areas of concern, and discuss what's realistically achievable. He may request imaging (X-rays or CT scan) to understand the bony anatomy beneath the surface. You'll leave with a clear picture of the surgical plan, what to expect during recovery, and whether any complementary procedures would enhance your result.
Surgery Day
Thoracoplasty takes about 2 to 3 hours under general anesthesia. The surgical approach depends on the specific correction needed — incision locations are planned to minimize visible scarring, often along natural chest creases or in areas concealed by clothing. Dr. Jaberi reshapes the cartilage or bone structures as needed, ensures symmetry, and closes in layers for optimized healing.
Depending on the extent of surgery, you may go home the same day or stay one night for monitoring. A compression garment is applied to support the new contour.
Recovery Timeline
This is a more involved recovery than soft tissue procedures. Expect soreness, tightness, and some difficulty with deep breaths initially. Prescribed pain medication and breathing exercises are essential. Rest is priority one.
Soreness decreases noticeably. Light walking and gentle daily activities resume. Breathing becomes easier. Follow-up with Dr. Jaberi to check healing.
Most patients return to desk work. The new chest contour is visible even with swelling. Compression garment continues.
Moderate activity resumes. The contour becomes more refined as swelling fully resolves. No heavy lifting yet.
Full activity including heavy exercise. Your final, permanent contour is revealed. The structural change is there to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Changes made to the chest wall structure — bone and cartilage — are permanent. Your body won't "undo" the contouring. Weight fluctuations can affect the soft tissue overlay, but the structural correction stays. What Dr. Jaberi reshapes, stays reshaped.
The biggest restriction is no heavy lifting or strenuous upper body exercise for 6 to 8 weeks. Breathing exercises are important early on to maintain lung function while things heal. Sleeping may be more comfortable on your back initially. Dr. Jaberi provides a detailed recovery roadmap — the key is patience and following the plan.
Yes — thoracoplasty is often combined with liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, or other contouring procedures for a more complete transformation. If combining procedures is safe and makes sense for your goals, Dr. Jaberi can create a comprehensive surgical plan that addresses everything in one session. If not, he'll stage them appropriately.
Dr. Jaberi places incisions in locations that minimize visibility — along the chest crease, in the armpit area, or where clothing would cover. Initial scars are red and visible, but they fade significantly over 6 to 12 months. With proper scar care, most patients are very pleased with how discreet the final scars are.
In the hands of a qualified, board-certified surgeon, thoracoplasty is safe. Dr. Jaberi has extensive training in chest wall anatomy and approaches each procedure with meticulous planning. As with any surgery, there are risks — infection, asymmetry, rare respiratory concerns — which are all discussed transparently during your consultation.
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
Chest wall contouring is a specialized procedure that requires an expert evaluation. Book your consultation with Dr. Jaberi to discuss what's possible for your anatomy — with no obligation and complete honesty.
Book Your ConsultationOr call us directly: 613-591-1188