Victorya Fredin, a 46-year-old resident of Gothenburg, has spent approximately half a million kronor to transform her appearance to resemble the Barbie doll. This pursuit included a controversial trip to the United States to undergo surgery to remove several of her ribs.
The Pursuit of an Hourglass Figure
Fredin, who describes herself as appearance-focused, had already undergone multiple beauty procedures before traveling to the U.S. Earlier this year. Her primary goal was to achieve a dramatic hourglass figure.
While the initial plan was to remove two ribs, the surgery resulted in the removal of three. The procedure involved removing parts of the lowest ribs and tying the muscles over them for protection.
In addition to the rib removal, Fredin underwent a lip lift and liposuction. The surgical procedures cost 400,000 kronor, while the total cost—including flights, hotel, and food—reached roughly half a million kronor.
Medical Risks and Controversies
The removal of ribs for aesthetic reasons is highly controversial. In Sweden, such procedures are generally only performed for specific medical reasons.
Chris Janbaz, a specialist in plastic surgery and chief physician at Aleris in Gothenburg, warns that the lower ribs serve a critical biological purpose. They protect vital organs, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs.
According to Janbaz, the absence of these ribs could lead to severe consequences. A simple fall could potentially result in a punctured lung or major internal bleeding from damage to the liver or spleen.
Recovery and Social Backlash
The physical toll of the surgery was immediate and severe. Fredin reported experiencing such intense pain after the operation that she could barely sit in a taxi.
Beyond the physical recovery, Fredin has faced significant social scrutiny. She has received hate comments on Tiktok, with critics describing her appearance as “plastic.”
Fredin notes that in Sweden, there is a strong cultural expectation to remain “natural.” She describes feeling judged or whispered about in public for deviating from this norm, though she similarly receives support from those encouraging her to “do her thing.”
Future Outlook
Despite the risks and the backlash, Fredin remains satisfied with her results and believes her transformation is inspiring. She views the Barbie aesthetic as a lifelong dream.
Given her perspective that “there is always room to do more,” Fredin may seek further modifications. Potential next steps could include additional procedures to further reduce her waist or increase her breast size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Victorya Fredin have her ribs removed?
She wanted to achieve an hourglass figure and fulfill a childhood dream of looking like Barbie.
What are the potential medical dangers of this surgery?
According to specialist Chris Janbaz, removing the lower ribs leaves vital organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys unprotected, which could lead to punctured lungs or severe bleeding in the event of a fall.
How much did the entire process cost?
The surgical procedures cost 400,000 kronor, and the total expenditure, including travel and lodging, was approximately half a million kronor.
Do you believe the psychological satisfaction of achieving a desired look outweighs the potential long-term physical risks?
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