In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in the realm of cosmetic surgery, reflecting a shift in women’s choices toward breast reduction procedures. Beyond aesthetic considerations, an increasing number of women are opting for breast reduction surgery to address both physical and psychological concerns associated with larger breast sizes. According to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast reduction surgeries have witnessed a steady rise, underscoring a significant cultural and medical shift.
This surge is not merely a quest for cosmetic enhancement; rather, it is rooted in a desire for improved quality of life. As women become more vocal about their experiences, the conversation around breast reduction transcends societal beauty standards, delving into the realms of comfort, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Dr Thomas Joe, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, says, “India is a country where most cultures consider large breasts as a sign of fertility and a desirable trait in women. However, a good number of these women (including girls in the post-pubertal age group) suffer in silence with symptoms such as shoulder and neck pain, upper back pain, repeated skin infections beneath the breasts and many also have problems related to body image, difficulty in wearing certain types of clothing and, restrictions in certain types of sports activities. We now see an increasing number of women coming to plastic surgeons for Breast Reduction surgeries due to the intolerable symptoms mentioned above and also due to increased awareness of treatment (partly due to a surge in information available on various digital and social media outlets).”
In almost all cases the woman is not bothered about the look of her breast but is concerned mainly about the symptoms mentioned earlier. However, during the surgery, along with the reduction of the breast size, the well-trained plastic surgeon can also give the breasts a more youthful appearance by making subtle but important changes in the position and size of the nipple-areola complex.
“As a plastic surgeon who practices both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, women who have undergone breast reduction surgeries (Reduction Mammoplasty in medical parlance) are usually some of my happiest patients. Only the woman suffering silently and their doctor would know, the relief and life-changing experience such a surgery can offer,” signs off Dr Joe.