Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Matilda Baxter Defends Barbie Waist Surgery After Online Criticism
Matilda Baxter is an influencer who had a cosmetic procedure in Bali to make her waist look narrower.
The procedure is often called “Barbie waist” surgery online.
It changes the shape of the lower floating ribs.
Baxter showed her results on Instagram and said the decision was hers to make.
Some people criticized or questioned how her body looked afterward.
Doctors and other medical professionals have warned that the procedure may carry health risks.
They have also worried about the body image standards it may promote.
The surgery is not currently offered in Australia.
The story has started a larger conversation about influencers promoting cosmetic procedures to young people.
Matilda Baxter has responded to criticism of her appearance following rib-contouring surgery in Bali.
The procedure, marketed online as “Barbie waist” surgery, reshapes the lower floating ribs to create a narrower waist.
Baxter shared videos showing her results and described the transformation as unedited.
The procedure is not currently available in Australia, while medical professionals have raised concerns about its risks.
The controversy has renewed debate about influencer marketing, elective surgery and unrealistic body standards for young audiences.
- Who
- Matilda Baxter, an influencer also known online as Tilds Search, and medical professionals who have raised concerns about the procedure.
- What
- Baxter defended her decision to undergo rib-contouring surgery marketed as “Barbie waist” surgery after receiving criticism about her appearance.
- When
- The procedure took place earlier this year, according to the report.
- Where
- Baxter underwent the procedure in Bali; it is not currently available in Australia.
- Why
- Baxter said the criticism was unfair because the procedure was her personal choice, while professionals have questioned its health risks and the body standard it promotes.
Baxter's Personal Choice
Medical and Social Concerns
Individual autonomy
Baxter's Personal Choice
Baxter has defended the surgery as her own decision and said criticism of her body is unfair.
Medical and Social Concerns
Medical professionals question whether altering the rib structure for cosmetic reasons is sufficiently safe.
Online presentation
Baxter's Personal Choice
Baxter has shared her results publicly and said one transformation video was not edited.
Medical and Social Concerns
Critics and professionals are concerned that highly presented results may encourage unrealistic expectations among young audiences.
Influencer promotion
Baxter's Personal Choice
Sponsored trips allow influencers to share their personal experiences with cosmetic procedures.
Medical and Social Concerns
The use of sponsored influencer trips to promote procedures with health concerns has fueled debate about marketing elective surgery.
- Person
- Matilda Baxter, also known online as Tilds Search
- Reported following
- Close to one million Instagram followers, though this was not independently verified
- Procedure
- Rib-contouring surgery marketed online as “Barbie waist” surgery
- Location
- Bali
- Australian availability
- The procedure is not currently offered in Australia
- Reported age
- Sources reportedly place Baxter’s age at either 21 or 23
- Medical concerns
- Professionals have raised concerns about health risks and unrealistic body standards