Amy Castano has become the latest influencer to undergo controversial ‘Barbie waist’ surgery after MAFS star Bec Zacharia received strong backlash over the procedure.
On Instagram, fitness influencer Amy revealed that she had undergone rib remodeling to achieve a more dramatically defined hourglass figure.
“I did some rib remodeling. You asked some questions about my experience, [so] here are the answers,” she told her followers.
“Yes, I did, and as you can see, it was taken.”
The fitness entrepreneur emphasized that the treatment was a serious surgical procedure performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
‘It’s a real operation. You will go under general anesthesia. It is done by a surgeon,” she explained.
Amy Castano has become the latest influencer to undergo controversial ‘Barbie waist’ surgery after MAFS star Bec Zacharia received strong backlash over the procedure
On Instagram, fitness influencer Amy revealed she had rib remodeling to achieve a more dramatically defined hourglass figure
Amy also revealed the eye-watering price, revealing the surgery cost $14,870 upfront – or can be financed for around $69 a week.
She said the first week of her recovery was manageable with Panadol and the medications her surgeon prescribed.
“The second, third, fourth week the pain would be completely gone, but it wasn’t real pain,” she explained.
‘It was more of an uncomfortable feeling, and because you’re wearing the garment it holds everything together and makes you feel safe.
“So no, it wasn’t as painful as I thought.”
Amy said the suggested recovery time after surgery was 12 weeks, although this could vary depending on the procedure and the individual.
The celebrity trainer started with ‘very, very light cardio’ after two weeks, before slowly returning to resistance exercises.
“Then I did very light resistance training for four weeks, and after eight weeks, which I’m on now, I do light weights and resistance training,” she said.
“I did some rib remodeling. You asked some questions about my experience, [so] here are the answers,” she told her followers. “Yes, I did, and as you can see, it was snatched.” (Pictured in 2023)
The fitness star said she decided to speak publicly about the surgery because she didn’t want her followers to believe that her new figure was solely the result of exercise and healthy eating.
Amy emphasized that she resumed training under the guidance of her personal trainer and warned followers not to copy her routine without first seeking professional advice.
“None of this should ever be considered unless you speak to a professional and know how you feel in your body,” she said.
The fitness star said she decided to speak publicly about the surgery because she didn’t want her followers to believe that her new figure was solely the result of exercise and healthy eating.
“I think it’s important that we see so much online of how women, or anyone for that matter, look great, and we often judge ourselves by how others look and how we wish we could look,” she said.
‘So I think it’s important to know that this isn’t achieved through diet and exercise alone.
“I had a procedure done and I’m not uncomfortable talking about it.”
Amy added that she wanted to be “transparent and honest” about the work she had undergone.
“I don’t want anyone else to look at me and think, ‘I wish I could have that,’ or, ‘I can achieve that through diet and exercise,” she said.
Amy stressed that she resumed training under the guidance of her personal trainer and warned followers not to copy her routine without first seeking professional advice
Join the discussion
How do influencer-promoted body surgeries impact the way young people view themselves and their self-worth?
Rib remodeling, also known as rib contouring, has taken off after several Australian reality stars and influencers documented their experiences with the procedure.
It differs from traditional rib removal surgery, where practitioners claim no bones are removed.
Instead, the lower ribs are reshaped and moved inward to create a narrower waist, before the patient wears a tight compression garment during the lengthy healing process.
The procedure became the subject of intense debate earlier this year after MAFS bride Bec Zacharia traveled to Bali with a group of influencers to consider having the surgery.
The trip was organized by cosmetic tourism company Snatched Taille and involved fellow reality personalities Awhina Rutene, Monique Morley and Carly Ellen.
Bec initially pulled out on the day of her planned surgery after admitting she remained unsure whether to go through with it.
She later said she had been invited to Bali as part of a collaboration with influencers, but insisted she had not been pressured or rushed into a decision.
“At every stage I was encouraged to take my time, ask questions, carefully consider my options and make a decision that feels right for me,” she said at the time.
The procedure became the subject of intense debate earlier this year after MAFS bride Bec Zacharia traveled to Bali with a group of influencers to consider having the surgery.
However, the reality star subsequently changed her mind again and confirmed that she ultimately had the surgery.
She shared images documenting the process, including preparations for the surgery and her recovery in bed while wearing a corset.
Bec said her post-op pain was only ‘two out of ten’ and defended her decision, declaring: ‘My body, my choice.’
“I took the time I needed to really assess the situation and had many meetings with the team,” she told her followers.
‘I came to the conclusion that it was something I wanted, not necessary, but wanted. And today, after the surgery, I’m so glad I did it.”
Nevertheless, Bec faced a wave of criticism over the potential risks of the procedure and the message sent to young women through its promotion on social media.
Former MAFS bride Domenica Calarco also joined in after Bec first publicized the influencer trip, accusing her of taking part in “just another PR ploy to improve her public perception.”
Bec hit back at what she called ‘personal attacks, bullying and abuse’ and said people should have the right to make informed choices about their own bodies without being harassed.
Australian medical experts have also expressed reservations about rib remodeling because it is relatively new and there is limited long-term evidence about its safety and effectiveness.
Professor Anand Deva, head of plastic surgery at Macquarie University, previously warned that there are ‘many vital structures that can be damaged’, especially when a procedure is performed through a small access point.
Postdoctoral researcher Jason Girkin from the University of Newcastle also noted that the ribs are surrounded by intercostal nerves, meaning potential complications could include pain or discomfort.
The surgery is not currently offered in Australia, prompting influencers interested in the treatment to travel abroad.
Promotional material for Snatched Taille describes the surgery as ultrasound-guided rib remodeling, performed under general anesthesia.
The company says patients should wear a compression garment continuously for at least ten weeks, with twelve weeks recommended, and acknowledges that it is a true medical procedure that requires structured recovery.
