MAFS bride flies to Bali for 'rib contouring' surgery & changes her mind - twice

‘Married At First Sight Australia’ star Bec Zacharia has been facing a big decision around a controversial “rib contouring” procedure.

The former TV bride travelled overseas last week to consider - and potentially undergo - the cosmetic surgery, which aims to slim the waistline via rib reconstruction.

She was joined by fellow Aussie reality TV stars, including 2025 ‘MAFS’ bride Awhina Rutene, as part of a trip organised by Bali-based company Snatched Waist - a cosmetic tourism package offering “rib recontouring”, all-inclusive flights, and recovery stays at a beachfront resort.

The journey has been closely followed by Joshua Fox, who runs the ‘MAFS Funny’ podcast.

While Bec was initially set to undergo surgery last week, she ultimately chose to delay the decision, confirming via Instagram on Thursday, June 25, that she would now go ahead with it on June 29.

“I’ve thought long and hard. I’ve thought about whether this procedure is something I want, and I’ve decided that I do,” she told fans.

“It’s a decision that I’m really happy with,” she added, alongside the message: “My body, my choice.”

Prior to this, Bec told Josh she was “scared” and questioning whether the surgery could be “a big mistake”.

She later told Woman’s Day AU that both Snatched Waist and the hospital had been supportive throughout the process.

“At every stage, I have been encouraged to take my time, ask questions, consider my options carefully, and make a decision that feels right for me. I have never been pressured to proceed.”

Bec has been open about her reasons for considering the surgery, including dealing with “a lot of loose skin” following significant changes to her body.

She previously told Josh, as part of his podcast series on the controversial surgery, that she had been “overweight” for most of her life.

“I’m proud of where I’ve got to, but there’s parts I still can’t stand looking at in the mirror,” she said.

After days of silence, Bec updated fans on her Instagram Stories today, thanking them for the messages of support, but remaining cryptic on whether she actually went ahead with the procedure in the end.

“I want to reassure everyone that I am OK. I’ve always chosen to be transparent with you all, and that will never change. I assure you I will share an update soon.”

She added: “For this short period of time… I’m respectfully asking for a little privacy.”

What is rib remodelling surgery?

The way it’s done is enough to make you feel a bit squeamish.

Talking about the procedure on the ‘You Beauty' podcast, hosts Leigh Campbell and Kelly McCarren broke down how the controversial cosmetic surgery actually works.

“Under general anaesthesia, surgeons use ultrasound to map the lowest ribs. They make two tiny punctures in the patient’s back, and through these, a device called a Piezotome vibrates 30,000 times per second to gently weaken the bone’s outer layer. Once softened, the ribs are fractured and bent inwards to create an ultra-narrow waist.”

“Patients then need to wear a medical-grade corset for several weeks afterwards to help hold the ribs in their new position.”

According to the Snatched Waist website, the entry points are smaller than a freckle and claim there’s “No incision, no cutting and no stitches”.

Is rib remodelling popular?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rib remodelling became very popular in the US last year, though it had already been well-known overseas.

“The procedure is very popular and one of the most requested procedures,” Andre Marshall, MD, MPH, said in May 2025. “In the last year, the popularity has risen immensely.”

The procedure first gained traction internationally and, as seen more recently, has become increasingly popular among Australians.

The surgery is still considered highly specialised and is not widely performed in many countries.

What are the concerns around rib remodelling?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the main concerns around rib remodelling relate to the potential risks involved.

“All procedures have a risk of complications,” Dr Marshall said. “Fortunately, with rib remodelling in trained hands, the risks are very low.”

“Since the ribs are in close proximity to the lungs, there is a risk of pneumothorax (air around the lungs) as a result of injury to the lungs themselves. This is rare and has never happened to any of my patients, but the risk is still there. Other risks, albeit rare, are long-term pain from nerve irritation or failure of the bony cortex of the rib to heal after the procedure.”

Australian-based Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr Justin Perron, adds that the surgery could come with other potential risks, including Pneumothorax (air around the lung), long-term pain or nerve irritation in the treated area, difficulty with the bone healing in its new position, asymmetry between the two sides and Infection or reaction at the entry points.

As Bec’s journey continues to unfold, it’s sparked wider conversation around cosmetic procedures, body image, and beauty standards.

Many will be keeping an eye out for her next update.