'Just chop it off' she said.
I saw Poorvi*, a fit 18 year old girl in clinic a few years ago when she made this statement.
She was distressed about her disproportionately large breasts. She couldn't participate in athletic activities, play badminton or even jog.
She could only wear loose fitted clothes, and would also find it difficult to get brassieres of her size in local stores, They always had to be shipped from abroad.
Her problem was quite genuine and practical. Her parents were extremely supportive and understood her woes well. After knowing all the pros and cons, she underwent a breast reduction procedure and was indeed very relieved.
Yet, as breast reduction is commonly considered a cosmetic procedure in India, her surgery was not covered by Insurance. Rather that option was not even sought for.
Disproportinately large breasts or 'macromastia' as it is called pose some unique problems for women.
1. Pain in the back, neck, shoulders and breast.
2. Grooving of Shoulders caused by bra straps.
3. Inflamed reddened skin under Breast.
4. Difficulty in finding suitable brassiere that fits and supports the breast correctly.
5. Loss of confidence in their appearance and feeling people are staring at their bust.
These are the indications mentioned on the NHS site for breast reduction and their treatment is covered by the public system in UK.
Certain insurance companies in USA also regard these procedures as therapeutic rather than cosmetic. They need documentation of consultation to dermatologists or orthopaedic surgeons and treatment history of at least 6-8 months.
Treatment for macromastia is generally surgical in form of breast reduction surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon makes cuts along the breasts and reshapes them maintaining their overall shape, symmetry and contour and preserving the nipple-areolar complex. Liposuction may also be performed in select cases, however results are limited. Breast-feeding can be limited after the surgery. Complications in form of bleeding, infection of suture line, scars and loss of nipple sensations can occur. However, in the right candidate, the benefits far outweigh the risk of surgery. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and an institute following international standard of care ensures complete safety before embarking upon the procedure.
In a landmark judgement by an Ahmedabad court in 2017, a 55 year old woman who underwent reduction mammoplasty for bilateral sagging breasts, the court agreed that the surgery was not done for enhancement of beauty, but for relief from distress and is therefore not a cosmetic surgery.
They ordered the insurance company to pay the amount in full along with mental harassment and legal costs for rejecting her claim.
For the deserving candidate, breast reduction is indeed not a cosmetic surgery, but a stress relieving surgery.
*Name changed to protect identity.
I saw Poorvi*, a fit 18 year old girl in clinic a few years ago when she made this statement.
She was distressed about her disproportionately large breasts. She couldn't participate in athletic activities, play badminton or even jog.
She could only wear loose fitted clothes, and would also find it difficult to get brassieres of her size in local stores, They always had to be shipped from abroad.
Her problem was quite genuine and practical. Her parents were extremely supportive and understood her woes well. After knowing all the pros and cons, she underwent a breast reduction procedure and was indeed very relieved.
Yet, as breast reduction is commonly considered a cosmetic procedure in India, her surgery was not covered by Insurance. Rather that option was not even sought for.
Disproportinately large breasts or 'macromastia' as it is called pose some unique problems for women.
1. Pain in the back, neck, shoulders and breast.
2. Grooving of Shoulders caused by bra straps.
3. Inflamed reddened skin under Breast.
4. Difficulty in finding suitable brassiere that fits and supports the breast correctly.
5. Loss of confidence in their appearance and feeling people are staring at their bust.These are the indications mentioned on the NHS site for breast reduction and their treatment is covered by the public system in UK.
Certain insurance companies in USA also regard these procedures as therapeutic rather than cosmetic. They need documentation of consultation to dermatologists or orthopaedic surgeons and treatment history of at least 6-8 months.
Treatment for macromastia is generally surgical in form of breast reduction surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon makes cuts along the breasts and reshapes them maintaining their overall shape, symmetry and contour and preserving the nipple-areolar complex. Liposuction may also be performed in select cases, however results are limited. Breast-feeding can be limited after the surgery. Complications in form of bleeding, infection of suture line, scars and loss of nipple sensations can occur. However, in the right candidate, the benefits far outweigh the risk of surgery. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and an institute following international standard of care ensures complete safety before embarking upon the procedure.
In a landmark judgement by an Ahmedabad court in 2017, a 55 year old woman who underwent reduction mammoplasty for bilateral sagging breasts, the court agreed that the surgery was not done for enhancement of beauty, but for relief from distress and is therefore not a cosmetic surgery.
They ordered the insurance company to pay the amount in full along with mental harassment and legal costs for rejecting her claim.
For the deserving candidate, breast reduction is indeed not a cosmetic surgery, but a stress relieving surgery.
*Name changed to protect identity.
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