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01 / 8 Questions
About the Procedure
Understanding what the Snatched Waist procedure involves.
What exactly is the Snatched Waist procedure?
The Snatched Waist procedure (Ultrasound-Guided Costal Remodelling) is a non-incisional technique that reshapes the lower ribs to create a narrower, more defined waistline and a true hourglass silhouette. It uses precise ultrasonic technology, with no large incisions and nothing removed. It is a real medical procedure, performed under general anaesthesia and followed by a committed recovery: the new shape is held and secured by wearing a compression garment for a minimum of 10 weeks, with 12 weeks recommended, while you heal. Done properly, the result is permanent. Your waist is reshaped once, and the new shape is yours to keep.
Is this the same as rib removal?
No. This is not rib removal. Older approaches relied on invasive open surgery to physically take ribs out. The Snatched Waist procedure removes nothing. Your lower ribs are precisely reshaped through tiny needle-point access points, with no large incisions and no resection. It is a far more refined, far less invasive approach, though it remains a real medical procedure with a structured recovery, not a shortcut.
How is the procedure performed?
You are under general anaesthesia with nerve blocks throughout, so you are fully asleep for the entire procedure. Using ultrasound to guide every movement, your surgeon reshapes the lower ribs through small needle-point access points, with no large incisions required. The procedure itself takes around 45 minutes. Afterwards you are escorted by clinical staff to your nearby five-star recovery accommodation and closely monitored. From there, recovery is an active, structured process: compression is worn for a minimum of 10 weeks, with 12 weeks recommended, 24/7 and only off to shower, with no taper. This is not a walk-in, walk-out treatment. It is a genuine procedure with a recovery you commit to.
What is piezoelectric / ultrasonic technology?
Piezoelectric technology uses fine ultrasonic vibrations to work with remarkable precision. It is designed to reshape the firm structures it targets while leaving the surrounding soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels untouched. That selectivity is what makes the technique so controlled, and it is used across modern surgical fields for exactly that reason.
Which ribs are affected?
The procedure works on the lower ribs, the ones that sit at the narrowest part of your torso and have the greatest influence on your waistline. The upper ribs that protect your heart and lungs are not involved.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself takes around 45 minutes. You will be at the facility for longer than that on the day to allow for anaesthesia, preparation and initial monitoring, but the contouring itself is quick.
What anaesthesia is used?
Every Snatched Waist procedure is performed under general anaesthesia combined with nerve blocks, administered and monitored by a dedicated anaesthetic team. You are fully asleep throughout, and the nerve blocks help manage discomfort in the hours immediately afterwards. There is no local-only or sedation option. General anaesthesia is the standard for every patient.
Can this be combined with other procedures?
At this stage the Snatched Waist procedure is offered as a standalone treatment, so our team can give your waist contouring their complete focus and you the safest, most predictable result. Combining it with other procedures is not offered at present.
02 / 6 Questions
Candidacy
Whether the procedure is right for you.
Am I a good candidate for the Snatched Waist procedure?
The procedure suits healthy adults who want a narrower, more defined waist and have realistic expectations about what is achievable for their body. The best candidates are at or near a stable, healthy weight, are non-smokers (or willing to stop), and are prepared to commit to the recovery, including a minimum of 10 weeks of compression, 12 weeks recommended. Final suitability is always decided by your surgeon after reviewing your medical history, and in some cases blood tests and imaging. The questions below cover the main factors.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 18. There is no fixed upper age limit. Suitability in older patients depends on individual health and your surgeon’s assessment rather than age alone.
Is there a weight or BMI requirement?
Yes. Your BMI needs to be 27 or below to proceed. This is a firm requirement, both for your safety and to give you the best possible result. If you are above that range it does not mean never, it often just means reaching a healthier weight first, and our team can talk you through that.
Can I have the procedure if I smoke or vape?
Smoking and vaping affect you in two ways here. First, nicotine slows healing, so we ask candidates to stop for at least six weeks before the procedure and to stay smoke-free and vape-free throughout recovery. Second, smoking and vaping make you cough, and coughing puts strain directly on the area that has just been reshaped, which can be genuinely uncomfortable while you heal. If you are ready to commit to stopping, we can move forward.
What if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The procedure is not suitable during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If either applies to you now, it simply means the timing is not right yet. You can be reassessed once you are no longer breastfeeding and have returned to a stable, healthy weight. Our team can guide you on the right timing.
Are there any medical conditions that would rule me out?
Some conditions mean the procedure is not safe or suitable, including bleeding disorders, certain lung conditions, significant spinal conditions, and some medications. This is exactly why every candidate completes a detailed medical history, which your surgeon reviews before anything is confirmed. If something in your history is a concern, we will always tell you honestly.
03 / 7 Questions
Safety & Risks
How we keep you safe, and an honest look at the risks.
Is the Snatched Waist procedure safe?
The procedure is performed by specialist plastic surgeons in a purpose-built medical facility, under general anaesthesia with a dedicated anaesthetic team monitoring you throughout. Like any medical procedure it carries some risk, and we are upfront about that. What makes it safe is the combination of experienced specialists, careful patient screening, precise ultrasound-guided technique, and close monitoring through your recovery. Anyone who is not a suitable candidate is told so honestly, because the safest result starts with the right patient.
Who performs the procedure and what are their qualifications?
Your procedure is carried out by an internationally trained specialist plastic surgeon, supported by a full clinical and anaesthetic team. Waist contouring of this kind is a refined skill, only ever performed by surgeons specifically experienced in the technique. Your file is reviewed by your surgeon before your trip is confirmed, and you meet them in person before the procedure goes ahead.
What are the risks and possible complications?
Every medical procedure carries some risk, and we believe you should understand it fully before you decide. The common effects are temporary and expected: bruising, swelling and discomfort in the first weeks, which settle as you heal. More significant complications are uncommon, and our clinical team is equipped to manage them. Before you give consent, your surgeon takes you through the complete risk profile in detail, so your decision is a fully informed one.
Is the facility accredited and properly equipped?
The procedure takes place at a purpose-built medical facility within the Sanur Health and Wellness precinct in Bali, part of Indonesia’s only dedicated health and wellness economic zone. It is fully equipped for procedures performed under general anaesthesia, with a complete anaesthetic and recovery setup and an experienced clinical team on hand throughout. Your safety is the facility’s first priority, and your care is delivered to the standard you would expect of a modern medical facility.
What happens if there is a complication during recovery?
You are never on your own. After the procedure you are escorted to your recovery accommodation, just minutes from the facility, where you are closely monitored and clinical staff check on you regularly throughout your stay. If anything needs attention, the clinical team is immediately reachable and there is a clear pathway straight back to the facility. Your surgeon stays involved throughout your recovery.
Is there much pain involved?
We will be honest with you: this is a real procedure, and there is discomfort involved, particularly in the first days. It is well managed. Nerve blocks during the procedure help control pain from the outset, and you are given a clear pain management plan for your recovery. Most of the strongest discomfort eases within the first week or two as the swelling settles. We would always rather you knew what to expect than be caught off guard.
Why is the procedure done in Bali?
Because that is where the right combination comes together: specialist plastic surgeons experienced in this technique, a purpose-built medical facility, and a genuine five-star recovery, all at a fraction of comparable private surgery costs in Australia. You travel for the procedure and recover somewhere beautiful, supported the whole way. It is world-class care and a considered recovery in one.
04 / 6 Questions
Results & Expectations
What you can realistically expect from your result.
How much smaller will my waist be?
Most patients see a waist reduction in the range of 5 to 17 centimetres, depending on their starting anatomy, their body, and how closely they follow the recovery. It is a genuinely transformative change in waist definition, creating the hourglass shape that is so hard to achieve through training or weight loss alone. Your surgeon will give you a realistic sense of what is achievable for you specifically once they have reviewed your file.
Is the result permanent?
Yes. The procedure reshapes the lower ribs into a new position, and that change is permanent. Reshaped once, yours forever. Unlike waist training or temporary treatments, which fade and need repeating, the new shape of your waist is yours to keep.
When will I see my final result?
You will notice a difference straight away, but your true result reveals itself gradually as swelling settles over the following weeks and months. The compression garment plays an important part here, holding the new shape while everything heals. Most patients see their result really take shape over the first few months, with continued refinement beyond that. Patience through the recovery is well rewarded.
Will the result look natural?
Yes. The goal is a balanced, proportionate waistline that suits your frame, not an extreme or artificial look. Because the procedure refines your natural shape rather than adding anything, the result tends to look like a better version of you, simply more defined. Your surgeon works with your individual proportions to keep the outcome elegant and natural.
Will weight gain or loss affect my result?
The reshaped structure of your waist is permanent and will not reverse, regardless of weight changes. That said, like any waistline, its appearance is still influenced by your overall body composition, so maintaining a stable, healthy weight gives you the best and most consistent result over time. The foundation does not change. Looking after yourself simply lets it show at its best.
Are the results guaranteed?
No outcome in medicine can be guaranteed, and we will never pretend otherwise. Individual results vary based on your personal anatomy and how closely you follow your recovery. What we can promise is honesty about what is realistic for you, a technique with a strong track record, and a team focused on giving you the best possible result. Your surgeon will set clear, realistic expectations with you before you proceed.
05 / 7 Questions
Recovery
What your body goes through as you heal.
What is recovery like in the first few days?
The first few days are the most intensive part of recovery. You will feel sore and tender around the waist, and movement is slower and more careful than usual. You are walking gently from day one, which actually helps your recovery, and you are closely monitored throughout. Your pain is managed with a clear plan, and the strongest discomfort eases over the first week or so. The early days are about rest, gentle movement, and following your team’s guidance.
How long is the recovery overall?
Recovery happens in stages. The first week or two is the most noticeable, as the initial soreness and swelling settle. You wear compression for a minimum of 10 weeks, with 12 weeks recommended and the new shape sets. Most people feel substantially back to themselves within a few weeks, with the deeper healing and final result continuing to develop over the following months. It is a real recovery that rewards patience, not an overnight fix.
How much time will I need off work?
It depends on your job. You are up and walking from day one. For desk-based or light work, most people feel ready about a week after returning home, and that is comfort-driven rather than a strict restriction. For physical or manual work, or anything that risks impact to your chest, you should allow three months before returning. Your team will help you plan the timing around your specific role.
How long do I wear the compression garment, and why?
Compression is one of the most important parts of your result, so commitment here really matters. Compression is worn for a minimum of 10 weeks, with 12 weeks recommended, 24/7 and only off to shower. No taper. It holds the new shape securely while everything heals, which is what makes the result clean and lasting. It is worn under your clothing, so it does not stop you getting on with daily life or work.
When can I exercise, lift, or return to the gym?
You will be moving gently from the start, but anything strenuous needs to wait. Gym, heavy lifting, core work, and any activity that could put strain or impact on your chest should be held off for three months while your body heals and the new shape sets. Easing back too soon risks your result and your comfort, so this window genuinely matters. Your team will guide you on returning to your normal routine safely.
How long do bruising and swelling last?
Some bruising and swelling is completely normal and expected. Bruising typically settles within about four weeks, while swelling can take longer, often four to eight weeks to substantially subside, with the last of it resolving as the months go on. This is exactly why your final result takes a little time to reveal itself. It is all a normal part of healing.
Where do I recover, and what support is there during my stay?
You do not stay overnight in the medical facility. After the procedure you are escorted by clinical staff to your five-star recovery accommodation nearby, where you settle in and are closely looked after. Clinical staff check on you regularly throughout your stay, your surgeon remains involved, and help is always close at hand. Your standard package includes four nights of this supported recovery in Bali before you fly home.
06 / 5 Questions
Aftercare & Follow-Up
The support wrapped around you, all the way through.
What support do I get after the procedure?
Aftercare is built into your experience from the moment your procedure finishes, not left to chance. You have a dedicated coordinator looking after you throughout, clinical staff monitoring you during your recovery stay, and your surgeon involved the whole way. Our aftercare is designed to go beyond what you would typically expect at home, so you feel genuinely supported, not sent off on your own.
What happens once I'm back home in Australia?
Your care does not stop when you fly home. Your coordinator stays in contact through your recovery, checking in at the key milestones and making sure your healing is on track. If anything comes up, you have a clear point of contact rather than being left to wonder. The support continues for the full length of your recovery, not just the days in Bali.
How often will someone check in on me?
Regularly, and at the moments that matter most. Your coordinator checks in at key points through your recovery, from the first days after your procedure through the weeks and months that follow. These check-ins are there to track your healing, answer your questions, and make sure you always know what to expect next. You are never left guessing.
Who do I contact if I have a concern or question during recovery?
Your dedicated coordinator is your single point of contact for anything at all, big or small, throughout your recovery. If a question is clinical, it goes straight to the right person on your care team, including your surgeon where needed. You will always know exactly who to reach and how, so nothing is left unanswered.
Is there a final review of my result?
Yes. Your recovery is followed all the way through to a review at around the six-month mark, once your result has fully settled. It is a chance to make sure you are healing beautifully, that you are happy with your result, and that everything has gone to plan. Your care runs the full course, start to finish.
07 / 7 Questions
Cost & Payment
What it costs and how payment works.
How much does the Snatched Waist procedure cost?
Packages start from $14,870, which covers your procedure and your supported recovery in Bali. The exact figure depends on the options you choose, such as your accommodation tier and length of stay, and your coordinator will give you a clear, itemised quote with no surprises. Finance is available from around $69 a week, subject to approval, so the cost can be spread rather than paid all at once.
What's included in the package?
Your package covers the things that matter for a safe procedure and a comfortable recovery: your surgeon and surgical team, the anaesthetic team, the medical facility, your return flights, your five-star recovery accommodation with meals, airport and clinic transfers, your aftercare and check-ins, and your compression garment. In short, the procedure and your time in Bali are taken care of as one package.
What's not included?
Personal spending, optional extras, and travel insurance are not part of the package. Your coordinator is completely transparent about anything that sits outside your quote, so you always know the full picture before you commit.
Can I pay it off, and what finance is available?
Yes. Most of our patients choose to finance their procedure rather than pay it all upfront. Through our finance partner you can spread the cost into manageable weekly repayments, from around $69 a week, with approval often very quick. Finance can cover your whole experience, including flights and accommodation. Finance is provided by our accredited partner under Australian Credit Licence 509691, subject to approval and the lender’s terms, and your coordinator can walk you through what your repayments might look like.
How much is the deposit, and when is the balance due?
A deposit secures your booking and your procedure date, with the balance settled before you travel. The exact amounts and timing are set out clearly in your quote, so there are no surprises along the way. Your coordinator will take you through the schedule step by step.
How do I make payment?
Payment is simple and secure. Most patients pay by bank transfer, with card payment also available. Your coordinator guides you through each step and confirms everything in writing, so you always have a clear record. You will never be asked to do anything you are not completely comfortable with.
Are there any hidden or extra costs?
No. We are upfront about the full cost from the start. Your quote sets out exactly what is included, and anything optional is presented clearly so you can decide what is right for you. There are no hidden fees and no surprises. The price we agree is the price you pay.
08 / 6 Questions
Travel & Logistics
Getting there, staying, and getting home.
How long will I be in Bali?
Your standard package includes four nights of recovery in Bali, plus your travel days either side. You have a pre-procedure day for your in-person consultation and preparation, your procedure day, then your supported recovery before flying home. Most people are cleared to fly about 48 hours after the procedure, and the four nights give you time to settle and be looked after properly before you travel. Your coordinator builds the timing around your flights.
Who books my flights and travel?
We take the hassle out of it. Your flights are booked for you through our trusted travel partner, and the cost can be included in your finance if you choose. Your airport transfers in Bali are arranged as part of your package, including a VIP meet-and-greet on arrival. You simply need to be ready to travel. We handle the logistics.
Can I bring someone with me?
Absolutely, and many people do. Having a partner, friend, or family member with you for support can make the whole experience more comfortable. Your coordinator can arrange for a companion to stay with you and will talk you through the simple options. You will not be on your own at any point regardless, but a familiar face is always welcome.
Where will I stay?
You recover in genuine five-star comfort at one of our partner properties in Sanur, close to the medical facility. Your accommodation, including meals, is part of your package, and there are options to upgrade your room or extend your stay if you would like. Your coordinator will walk you through the choices, so your recovery feels like a proper restorative escape, not a clinical one.
What do I need to organise myself, like a passport or visa?
Very little. You will need a current passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Australian travellers can obtain a visa on arrival in Bali, which is straightforward, and your coordinator will guide you through exactly what to prepare. We point you to everything you need well ahead of time, so nothing is left to the last minute.
How do I get around once I'm there?
Everything is taken care of. You are met at the airport with a VIP meet-and-greet, your transfers between the airport, your accommodation and the facility are all arranged, and clinical staff escort you when it matters most, such as after your procedure. You will not need to navigate taxis or directions during your recovery. The point is for you to focus on healing while we handle the rest.