Reduce the size of the rib cage... is it possible?

[Iceprincess]

I read somewhere a long time ago that, by corset training, it is possible to reduce the size of the rib cage gradually, of course, it takes time and it has to be done carefully but, is it possible? and how effective is it? is this worth the try?

[LordKAT]

I've heard corsets used to make a waist but not to shrink your rib cage. I would think since ribs are bone that it would be difficult if not impossible. You may be able to deform your rib cage due to the cartilage parts but I think that would create problems for breathing and other organs.

[Pica Pica]

Corsets did change the shape of the ribcage after many years of vigourous and extended use. However, the ribcage is the size it is for a reason and many people had there internal organs shifted around and crushed in the pursuit of a small waist.

[placeholdername]

Bone is surprisingly flexible over the long term.  Corsets can bring the waist /lower rib area in.  If you're not doing anything extreme then there aren't really any problems from it.  Don't expect to be able to take off 10 inches or anything crazy like that.

[LordKAT]

um... waist is below the rib cage, therefore not the same thing. At least I took it differently.

[tatiana]

I read somewhere a long time ago that, by corset training, it is possible to reduce the size of the rib cage gradually, of course, it takes time and it has to be done carefully but, is it possible? and how effective is it? is this worth the try?

It is possible. Bone re-mineralizes and changes shape when it is under constant pressure. Effectiveness as Ketsy stated, it takes a long time for this to happen with reasonable expectations of ribcage size reduction.

Is it worth it? Depends on your lifestyle and current body size proportion. Once you start tightlacing, you have to eat in smaller portions and more frequently. Not only that, you have to watch out for all the foods you eat. It's a complete lifestyle change. Your ability to bend your back is diminished and you'll have some difficulty carrying some tasks that involves bending over (ie: putting on socks or shoes). Not to mention it is expensive to buy a tightlacing corset - $200+.

Women with narrow shoulders would most benefit from a narrower waist & rib cage to create an hourglass figure. I have broad shoulders so in terms of benefits of a waist & rib cage would be less because the more I emphasize a smaller waist, the more visible upper body triangle I show. So if you're willing to change your lifestyle and have a body that would benefit from having a smaller waist & rib cage, go for it.

[Frances]

The rib cage is pretty flexible. It expands and retracts everytime we breathe. Its resting position is depended on muscle tone. If the muscles atrophy, the rib cage will get a little smaller. I hear some girls lose a few inches after having been on hormones for a long time. I have not measured myself in a while, but my bra straps are not as tight as they use to be.

[Myself]

waist is seen feminine thanks to the hips, not the rib cage, where there it will seem more masculine.

[Pica Pica]

um... waist is below the rib cage, therefore not the same thing. At least I took it differently.

If the ribs are significantly crushed, it makes the waist looks smaller - not good though.

[LordKAT]

OK

[Iceprincess]

Sorry for not answering in a long time, I've been too busy

Anyway, my problem is, that even when I have broad hips, my shoulders are a bit broad as well, that's why i wish to do this, but if it's not going to help and the problem relies on the shoulders, is there any way to make the shoulders more narrow?

It seems like I do have an hourglass shape, but my shoulders a just a little bit broader than my hips, as well as my rib cage.

One more thing: once I start with HRT, is there any chance that hormones can help (obviously it would take a long time lol) to reduce the size of the bone structure?

[spacial]

Sorry to be blunt here, but if you start squeezing your rib cage, you should make sure your funeral plan is up to date as well.

There's no free space in there. It's filled with your guts, mainly lungs and heart. Squeeze those and expect to faint, if you're lucky.

Ever wondered why so many women in the 18th and 19th centurys fainted so much?

Us your imagination and adjust your shape with your choice of clothes.

What is going to give you away is your attitude.

[lightvi]

No. Hormones cannot alter bone structure.

But the fat is shifted from the stomache area to the hip area so they help in a way but yeah they won't adjust your bone structure.

[Dryad]

*Shudders*
While my ribcage is.. Huge, I don't think I'd wear a tight-lacing corset to 'correct' that. I don't mind as much about my broad shoulders as I do about my waist, and hormones should lessen the waist, anyway.
Anyway; this looks really tricky, and dangerous.

[Little Darkling]

I actually realized that my problem with feeling like my ribcage was too large had a lot to do with me being severely underweight. xD

I really would try not to worry about it too much, it's just not worth the stress!

[Angela]

I had my lower rib cage cracked and pushed in a few years ago, for a more slender look.Im a little suprised no one else has had this done.I dont think ive seen any person mention it in this thread.

[Cindy]

Never heard of this.  How was it done?
BTW I have seen a GG female reduce her waist to 16" under medical supervision (her partner).


She looked awful. In my opinion a fetish look.


Cindy

[Angela]

Not sure how its done, Doctor did tell me, but Its been too long.  Im satisfied overall.

[spacial]

I think we've all seen how fabulous you look Angela. Gurr. 

But seriously, making the best of what we have seems a lot more important than risking our health.

Dead girls don't tend to pull much.

[Angela]

Spacial,Ive had no health complications since that procedure, knocks on wood. :)and its been a few years.Not sure anything could go wrong down the line.