Fitness influencer Amy Castano has revealed she underwent controversial “Barbie waist” surgery, saying she wanted to be transparent that her dramatically defined figure was not achieved through diet and exercise alone.
Castano told her Instagram followers that she had undergone rib remodelling, a procedure designed to narrow the waist by reshaping and repositioning the lower ribs. “Yes, I did, and as you can see, it is snatched,” she said.
The Australian fitness entrepreneur stressed that the treatment was a significant operation rather than a non-invasive beauty procedure. “It is actual surgery. You go under general anaesthetic. It’s done by a surgeon,” she explained.
Castano said the operation cost A$14,870 upfront, although the provider offers finance at approximately A$69 a week. She described the first week of recovery as manageable with Panadol and medication prescribed by her surgeon.
She said the discomfort eased over the following weeks, describing it as more of an uncomfortable sensation than severe pain. Patients are required to wear a tight compression garment to support the ribs as they heal into their new position.
Castano said the recommended recovery period was 12 weeks, although this could vary according to the individual and the precise procedure performed. She began “very, very light cardio” after two weeks, followed by gentle resistance training at four weeks.
At eight weeks post-operation, she said she had progressed to light weights and resistance work under the supervision of her personal trainer. She warned followers not to copy her routine without first seeking professional advice.
“None of that should ever be considered unless you speak to a professional and know how you feel in your body,” she said.
What is rib remodelling surgery?
Rib remodelling, also known as rib contouring or rib reshaping, differs from traditional rib-removal surgery because practitioners say no bones are removed. Instead, the lower ribs are weakened, reshaped and moved inwards to create a narrower waist.
The procedure is generally carried out under general anaesthetic, with patients then required to wear a compression garment for several weeks or months during the healing process.
A 2026 systematic review published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery assessed four studies involving 318 patients. It reported an average waist reduction of 8.59cm at three months, but the small number of studies means the available evidence remains limited.
Castano said she had decided to discuss the surgery publicly because she did not want women viewing her online to believe her figure was solely the result of healthy eating and exercise.
“I think it’s important to know that this wasn’t achieved just through diet and exercise,” she said. “I did get a procedure done, and I’m not uncomfortable talking about it.”
She added: “I don’t want anyone else looking at me and thinking, ‘I wish I could get that,’ or, ‘I can achieve that through diet and exercise.’”
The procedure has attracted increased attention after Married At First Sight Australia personality Bec Zacharia travelled to Bali with a group of influencers to consider undergoing the operation.
The trip was organised through cosmetic tourism company Snatched Waist and included fellow reality personalities Awhina Rutene, Monique Morley and Carly Ellen. Zacharia initially pulled out on the day of her scheduled surgery, saying she was still unsure, before later confirming that she had gone ahead.
She shared footage of her preparations and recovery, including images of herself wearing a corset in bed. Zacharia said her pain was “two out of ten” and defended the decision by telling followers: “My body, my choice.”
“I came to the conclusion that it was something I wanted – not needed, but wanted,” she said. “And today, post-op, I am so glad I did it.”
Her decision prompted criticism over the potential medical risks and the effect of influencer-led cosmetic surgery content on younger women. Former MAFS bride Domenica Calarco accused Zacharia of taking part in “just another PR ploy to fix her public perception”, while Zacharia rejected what she described as “personal attacks, bullying and abuse”.
Medical experts have also urged caution, with concerns focused on the relative newness of rib remodelling and the lack of long-term evidence about its safety and effectiveness.
Professor Anand Deva, head of plastic surgery at Macquarie University, previously warned that “a lot of vital structures” could be damaged, particularly when the operation is performed through a small access point.
University of Newcastle researcher Dr Jason Girkin has also pointed to the intercostal nerves surrounding the ribs, saying possible complications could include lasting pain or discomfort.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has said the risks can include a collapsed lung, nerve irritation and failure of the rib to heal properly, although it describes the procedure as lower risk when performed by an appropriately trained surgeon.
Castano acknowledged the seriousness of the operation while urging her followers to make decisions based on professional medical advice rather than social media images. “It’s important that we see so much online of how women, or anyone, look incredible, and we often judge ourselves on how others look,” she said.
