A Deeper Dive Into The Surge In Breast Reduction Surgeries

Fashion is cyclical, and so are fashionable body types. Katharine Hepburn gave way to Marilyn Monroe, who gave way to Twiggy. Madonna was overtaken by Kate Moss. Then Kardashian’s voluptuousness blew up heroin chic. But when Stella Bugbee, the editor of the Times’s Styles section, pointed me to data showing a 64 percent surge in elective breast-reduction surgeries since 2019, we both knew this was more than a fad.

I wanted to find out what was happening. Breast reductions have risen in every age group, but especially among patients under 30. Why would more than 70,000 women each year submit to anesthesia, a painful recovery, and possible changes to nipple sensation? Why would they risk their ability to breastfeed?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why fashions change. The reason can be a simple rejection of what came before. But sometimes fashion reflects massive political and cultural shifts. Punk manifested the populist fury of anti-Thatcher Britain. Vintage and thrift styles reflect Gen Z’s environmentalism. Women’s suffrage, the sexual revolution, the entry of women into the professional work force, #MeToo — all these history-making moments have changed not just how women think of themselves but their outward presentation as well.

Lifting a Burden

Plastic surgeons say their breast-reduction patients are propelled by social media and word of mouth. They’ve consumed breast-reduction content online, in graphic and intimate detail, and now these young women regard the procedure as a liberation, attainable for a four- or five-figure fee. (Getting insurance to cover any elective breast reduction is a struggle.)

“I am more than my baby-making and -feeding parts,” is how they put it to Kelly Killeen, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

The patients talked about the psychic and physical toll of growing up with bigger breasts: constant male attention, disapproval, and shaming from parents and teachers who push girls to cover themselves up. Kelly Lang (name changed for privacy), 26, told me about standing in line during recess in elementary school when a teacher reached down and pulled her shirt collar, which had slipped down her shoulder, up to her neck. “I thought I was doing something wrong, but it was just — I had boobs,” she said.

They lamented being unable to comfortably run track, figure skate, snowboard, hike, or dance at their own parties. They bind their breasts with double sports bras. They can’t shop in regular retail stores. They’re mortified by having to wear special bras and bathing suits with thick support straps.

Before her reduction, Lang’s breasts were asymmetrical. Starting in her sophomore year of college, she had such constant, searing back pain that she felt trapped in the body of a 70-year-old. When I met her in Los Angeles the week after her surgery, she spoke about her former breasts in derogatory terms, having turned the negative attention of the world on herself. They were “kind of flat and saggy,” she said. She began to hate them so much that she averted her eyes when she toweled off after the shower.

‘Men Need to Change’

Still, I wondered. We have been living through a revolutionary era of body acceptance. I sent my own daughter to a sleepaway camp where the rule was “no body talk”: Girls were not to comment on other girls’ physical appearance, for any reason. In my friend groups, we are scrupulously careful not to pass down a previous generation’s damaging obsession with thinness and dieting, and we tell our daughters how beautiful they are, whatever their shape.

So the idea that breast reduction is a liberation puzzled me. Isn’t it just another tool that helps women conform to a body type that is endorsed by the wider culture and is amplified by influencers on TikTok wearing bikinis on yachts? Isn’t it an expensive way to be able to wear tube tops and smock dresses in a flattering way? Maybe reductions are mirror images of breast augmentation, still one of the top plastic surgery procedures in the country, at about 300,000 per year.

The answer, or a partial answer, came in a series of conversations with the sociologist Sarah Thornton, who in May published “Tits Up,” a social history of the breast. As desirable as it may be, it is actually impossible to exist as a woman in the world without absorbing all the thoughts and feelings everyone else has about her body, she reminded me. And breasts, especially bigger breasts, draw a disproportionate amount of attention.

Starting at puberty, girls with larger breasts are both oversexualized and critiqued for being droopy, saggy, flabby — and other adjectives associated with aging.

“We all want to live in a world where we’re not bothered by our appearance, but that’s not the reality we’re living in right now,” Thornton said. “If women are going to have an emancipated rack, then men need to change.”

The Amplified Influence of Social Media

One of the most significant factors driving the surge in breast reduction surgeries is the pervasive influence of social media. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have become powerful tools for shaping beauty standards and promoting unrealistic body ideals. Influencers, often with large and engaged followings, frequently showcase their bodies in ways that reinforce the desirability of certain physical attributes, including small breasts.

These platforms can create a distorted perception of reality, as influencers often present carefully curated and edited images that may not accurately reflect their natural appearance. Constant exposure to such idealized images can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one’s own body, potentially motivating individuals to seek cosmetic procedures as a means of conforming to these unrealistic standards.

Moreover, social media has made it easier than ever for people to connect with others who have undergone similar procedures. Online communities and forums provide a space for individuals to share experiences, seek support, and learn about the benefits and potential risks of breast reduction surgery. This can be both empowering and potentially misleading, as individuals may be exposed to biased or exaggerated information.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While breast reduction surgery can be a transformative experience for many women, it is important to acknowledge that it is not without risks. Potential complications may include:

Infection: This is a risk with any surgical procedure.
Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin.
Seroma: A collection of fluid under the skin.
Asymmetry: The breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical after surgery.
Loss of sensation: The nipples may become less sensitive.
Difficulty breastfeeding: If planning to have children in the future, breast reduction surgery may make breastfeeding more challenging or impossible.

It is crucial for individuals considering breast reduction surgery to carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks, and to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss their individual goals and expectations.

Counterargument: A Shift Towards Body Positivity?

While the article has focused on the increasing popularity of breast reduction surgery, it is essential to acknowledge that there is also a growing movement towards body positivity and self-acceptance. Many individuals are challenging traditional beauty standards and embracing their unique bodies without feeling the need to conform to societal expectations.

This shift in attitudes can be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of body image issues, the rise of social media platforms that celebrate diversity, and the efforts of body-positive activists and influencers. While the trend towards breast reduction surgery persists, it is important to recognize that it is not the only narrative surrounding body image and self-esteem.

Ethical Considerations in Promoting Breast Reduction Surgery

The surge in breast reduction surgeries raises significant ethical concerns related to the promotion of certain body ideals. This section will delve deeper into these issues, exploring how the focus on breast reduction can contribute to unrealistic expectations of beauty and perfection, the potential negative impact on mental health, and the role of advertising and media in influencing individuals’ decisions to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Perpetuating Unrealistic Expectations

The promotion of breast reduction surgery as a means of achieving societal beauty standards can contribute to unrealistic expectations of perfection. When individuals are constantly exposed to images of women with small, perfectly shaped breasts, they may come to believe that this is the only acceptable body type. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with their own bodies, even if their bodies are healthy and functional.

Furthermore, the focus on breast reduction surgery can perpetuate the idea that women’s worth is primarily determined by their physical appearance. This can have harmful consequences for individuals who do not conform to these narrow beauty standards, as they may feel marginalized or excluded from society.

Impact on Mental Health

The pursuit of unrealistic beauty ideals through cosmetic procedures, such as breast reduction surgery, can have a significant negative impact on mental health. Individuals who are dissatisfied with their bodies may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These mental health issues can be exacerbated by the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and the fear of social rejection.

Additionally, the recovery process from cosmetic surgery can be physically and emotionally demanding. Individuals may experience pain, discomfort, and a sense of loss of control over their bodies. These factors can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Role of Advertising and Media

Advertising and media play a crucial role in shaping societal beauty standards and influencing individuals’ decisions to undergo cosmetic surgery. The constant bombardment of images of women with idealized body types can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance.

How Social Media Shapes Unrealistic Beauty Standards

Moreover, advertising for cosmetic procedures often emphasizes the potential benefits of surgery, such as increased self-confidence and improved relationships. However, these claims may be exaggerated or misleading, and individuals may not fully understand the risks and potential complications associated with these procedures.

Addressing Ethical Concerns

To address the ethical concerns associated with the promotion of breast reduction surgery, it is important to:

Promote body positivity and self-acceptance: Encourage individuals to embrace their unique bodies and challenge unrealistic beauty standards.

Body Image and Mental Health: Promoting Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity

Provide accurate and balanced information: Ensure that individuals have access to accurate and balanced information about the risks and benefits of cosmetic surgery.
Regulate advertising for cosmetic procedures: Implement stricter regulations on advertising for cosmetic procedures to prevent misleading or deceptive claims.
Support mental health services: Increase access to mental health services for individuals struggling with body image issues and related concerns.

By addressing these ethical concerns, we can help to create a society where individuals feel empowered to embrace their unique bodies and are not pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

Conclusion

The surge in breast reduction surgeries is a complex issue with multifaceted causes and consequences. While social media, cultural pressures, and personal experiences play significant roles, it is also crucial to consider the growing movement towards body positivity and self-acceptance. As individuals continue to navigate these conflicting forces, it is essential to have informed discussions about body image, beauty standards, and the potential risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures.

Sources for Statistical Considerations on Breast Reduction Surgery

Here are some reliable sources for statistical data on breast reduction surgery:

Government Agencies:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides data on a variety of health topics, including plastic surgery procedures. They may have data on trends in breast reduction surgery over time.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES): NHANES collects data on the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. They may have information on the prevalence of breast reduction surgery in the population.

Academic Journals:

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: This is a leading journal in the field of plastic surgery and often publishes studies on the prevalence and trends of various procedures, including breast reduction.
Journal of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine: This journal also publishes research on plastic surgery procedures and may have data on breast reduction surgery.

Professional Organizations:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The ASPS collects data on plastic surgery procedures performed by its members. They may have statistics on the number of breast reduction surgeries performed annually.
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS): ISAPS collects data on plastic surgery procedures from around the world. They may have information on the global prevalence of breast reduction surgery.

Online Databases:

PubMed: This is a free online database of biomedical literature. You can search for articles on breast reduction surgery to find relevant statistical data.
Google Scholar: This is another online database that allows you to search for academic articles on a variety of topics, including breast reduction surgery.

Author: Meghna Deshraj

Bullzeye | Goodmen Project

Cosmetic Change: A Deeper Dive Into The Surge In Breast Reduction Surgeries