Some people will go to extraordinary lengths to achieve their ideal body—and their choices often leave others in shock or awe, depending on where they stand. For Emily James, a 27-year-old trans woman from Kansas City, that meant undergoing rib removal surgery to sculpt her waist into a smaller, more dramatic shape. But here’s the kicker: she plans to transform the six ribs removed during the procedure into something most would never imagine—a crown. Yes, a literal crown.
Emily shelled out an eye-popping $17,000 for the surgery, an elective cosmetic procedure that’s as unconventional as her post-surgery plans. “I plan on having someone make a crown out of them,” she said during an interview with Caters News. Originally, she had considered gifting the bones to her best friend, but in true Emily fashion, she decided to take the eccentric route.
Recovering from rib removal surgery isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but Emily has taken it in stride. While wearing a corset 24/7 to manage post-operative swelling, she shared that her pain level was surprisingly low—a mere 2 out of 10—crediting her dedicated medical team for the smooth process.
But of course, the internet had plenty to say. Sharing her journey online, Emily has received a mix of applause and criticism. In a pre-surgery video, she joked about the procedure, saying, “I’m going to have an Emily barbeque,” alluding to the peculiar fact that she was allowed to keep the ribs. The humor didn’t stop there. “I’ve had people suggest making them into chew toys or boiling them into broth,” she revealed. “Personally, I think my meat would taste delicious.” That last comment, while tongue-in-cheek, was quickly followed by a disclaimer: she has zero interest in venturing into cannibalism. “Eating human meat can cause fatal disorders, so no thank you,” she clarified.
While the idea of turning bones into a crown or even considering what one’s own ribs might taste like might raise eyebrows, Emily remains unfazed by the critics. “Getting my ribs removed doesn’t change the fact that I’m a kind, loving trans girl,” she said, directly addressing detractors. “Some of your moms are walking around with [Brazilian butt lifts]; how is this any different?”
Ultimately, Emily’s message is clear: her body, her choice. Whether people cheer her on or shake their heads in disbelief, she’s determined to live unapologetically—and maybe even a little regally. After all, who else can say they have a crown made from their own bones?
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