Matilda Baxter has stunned followers after showing off an extraordinarily narrow waist following a 'Barbie waist' procedure in Bali. The 23-year-old Australian influencer appeared to have an almost non-existent midsection in a recent Instagram clip as her partner wrapped his hands around her waist.
Baxter, who has openly documented her cosmetic procedures, joked that she had become a 'Barbie Doll' while wearing a black post-operative corset. Her dramatic reveal has renewed discussion around the medical considerations of altering the ribcage for cosmetic reasons, particularly when patients travel overseas for procedures.
Baxter Showed Off Her Tiny Waist
In the Instagram video, Baxter wore a bright orange cut-out dress over her black corset and invited viewers to look at her dramatically narrowed waist. She described it as 'non-existent' before her partner placed his hands around her middle, creating an even more striking visual.
The clip prompted a mixture of concern, criticism and humour from followers, with some users commenting on how dramatically different her figure appeared. One commenter even joked about a search party for her 'missing' waist, but such remarks represent individual social-media reactions rather than established medical opinions.
Her Procedure Involved Rib Contouring
Baxter has described undergoing a 'Barbie waist' procedure involving her lower ribs, while photographs from her recovery showed her wearing a restrictive corset. Reports have described rib-remodelling techniques as reshaping or repositioning the lower ribs, with some methods using controlled fractures, although the exact surgical technique used in Baxter's case has not been independently established.
Medical guidance indicates that rib remodelling is different from simply removing ribs and is intended to alter their shape or position. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has outlined potential risks associated with rib procedures, including chronic pain, scarring, an unnatural appearance and pneumothorax if the lung is injured.
The Medical Risks Are General
The appeal of an extremely narrow waist comes with an important medical consideration because the ribcage has structural and protective functions. Experts discussing rib remodelling have warned that changing the structure of the ribs can involve risks that need to be assessed according to the technique, the patient and the surgical team's experience.
Those warnings apply to rib-remodelling procedures generally and should not be interpreted as evidence that Baxter has suffered a complication. There is no evidence in the supplied material that she has experienced an adverse medical outcome from her procedure.
Baxter Says She Is Happy
Baxter has pushed back against criticism of her changing appearance and has presented herself as happy with the transformation. She has also argued that attention surrounding her looks can benefit her financially by keeping her relevant and generating interest online.
Australian influencer shocks with her 'non-existent waist' after controversial procedure as she reveals her boyfriend can fit his hands right around her midsection https://t.co/AcA3XqAlwe
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) September 10, 2026
The influencer has previously said she spent about £26,521 ($50,000) on her face. She has separately estimated that maintaining her appearance costs between £42,433 ($80,000) and £53,041 ($100,000) a year
Followers Reacted To Her Appearance
The latest waist video attracted a range of reactions, including comments from users who said they were concerned by how narrow her frame appeared. Those comments should be understood as individual reactions and do not establish that Baxter is unhealthy, injured or experiencing complications.
Baxter has previously responded strongly to scrutiny of her appearance, while arguing that people are free to notice how different she looks from earlier photographs. She has characterised the attention as financially useful and continued to present her cosmetic transformation as something she personally enjoys.
Her Cosmetic History Adds Context
The rib procedure is only one part of Baxter's broader history of cosmetic treatments, which she has discussed publicly online. She has previously spoken about undergoing high-definition liposuction, breast surgery and hip surgery, alongside her use of tanning products and a home solarium.
Separately, Australian health authorities have warned about unapproved Melanotan II tanning products, rather than specifically assessing Baxter's personal routine. On 17 August 2026, the Therapeutic Goods Administration said Melanotan II products were not approved as tanning agents and warned that tested products could contain inconsistent doses, advising consumers to avoid them.
