Now, petite is the new sexy
City girls are now opting for breast reduction surgery to get a petite body structure
By : shiba kurian
Update: 2014-10-26 22:54 GMT
Chennai: Looks like small is in big demand! The petite body structures of actresses such as Alia Bhatt, Anushka Sharma, Shraddha Kapoor and closer to home, Ileana D’Cruz are a huge hit among youngsters. In fact, such picture-perfect celebrity bodies have driven many young women to go under the knife for breast reduction surgeries. Plastic surgeons in the city observe a rise in college students wanting to go under the knife to reduce their breasts.
In addition to the celebrity-influence, the fear of being socially ostracised too has triggered the trend. “College students are growing conscious of their body shape. They are reluctant to socialise with their friends, including those from the opposite sex. They are constantly stared at and ridiculed, at hostels, at bus stops and even during sports. Many girls complain of not being able to wear their favourite T-shirts without being made fun of by their own girl friends. A lot of my patients have had an emotional breakdown as they feel bulky and humiliated,” points out A.T. Chelvan, a plastic surgeon who attends to at least two such patients in a month.
According to Dr Arvind Maharaj, plastic and cosmetic surgeon in Chennai, psychological problems apart, physical manifestations too prompt youngsters to take action. “Large breasts can, at times, lead to shoulder pain and skin rashes as they have to rely on customised inner garments. An indisciplined lifestyle that leads to obesity is yet another major contributing factor to this evolving trend in the city. In a few instances, the surgery can leave behind a scar. And since having a scar before marriage is considered taboo in the south, many resort to liposuction as well,” he explains.
Also, it isn’t only girls who go under the knife. There is, equally, an increase in the number of boys opting for breast reduction surgeries. “Today, I see a large number of boys, especially those studying in higher secondary school, who come with a chest that resembles that of their female counterparts. With schools having gyms and swimming pools, where they have to change their attire in public, they fear getting ridiculed as their identity as a male is at a stake,” adds Dr Maharaj.
Malavika (name changed), a student in the city, says she favours natural methods over surgery. “Everyone wants to look good; so if going under the knife comes without any side effects, then one should go for it. But I am in favour of natural methods, which are safer and risk free. These cosmetic surgeries are bound to have side effects and young girls should work on their other strong points rather than opting for plastic surgeries where there is no guarantee,” she says.
While many receive emotional and financial support from their parents, a few do it without the knowledge of their families. “Many youngsters, and a few parents, are open to such surgically correctible options to make themselves feel good. However, we live in a conservative society, especially when it comes to such sensitive matters. The older generation is either not aware of such methods or is averse to them. So those, who want to reduce their breasts without the knowledge of their families, opt for a one-day surgery,” adds Dr Maharaj.