Looking good has become a priority with the modern Indian woman and naturally the shape and size of our breasts does determine how we look. Many of us are not happy with the size of our breasts. Today we will discuss the larger picture and one of its extreme solutions — breast reduction surgery.

While exercising and good diet can help to control breast size, these are not always viable routes because weight keeps coming back on. Also, our breast size is affected by our genes, i.e. by how our grandmothers were built, and so in many ways, it’s a battle we’re born to fight, or not, depending on which side of the fence we are.

Breast reduction surgery is a viable and lasting solution to those with heavy breasts and more so if sagging has set in over the years. Before discussing the pros and cons of breast reduction surgery, I’d like to share with you that in the last 15 years of my working with breasts and bras, I’ve come across a number of women who are heavily built yet have carried themselves (and their breasts) with elan. Despite being full-breasted, they have worn all types of clothes — Indian and Western — and have looked good in them. Some things you need to know:

Breast reduction surgery must be a last resort. Learn to feel confident in your body, and you’ll look and feel good. Recently, I have come across some horribly botched cases of breast reduction surgery. Post operation, the ladies had neither the shape nor the desired size of breast. Further, they were suffering from various post-operative infections.

Do not be taken in by advertisements that speak highly of cosmetic surgeons. Investigate thoroughly before you proceed.

You must keep your GP involved in the process. Choose a surgeon with your GP’s consent so that you are not ripped off — both financially and medically. Also, in case you need to move a consumer forum for a surgery gone wrong, your GP’s medical inputs will stand you in good stead.

You must ensure that your spouse/partner/family is also in the loop because post-operative care is essential and you’ll need their support and help in avoiding complications to recuperate normally.

In choosing a surgeon, shop around. Meet more than one surgeon to check who you feel comfortable with. In your rush to get a hush-hush surgery, remember that you’ll have to discuss intimate cosmetic details so comfort level counts.

Ask for references of satisfied patients and speak to them. If you smell a rat, run. A woman’s sixth sense is strong. If a surgeon is unable to provide you with references then move on.

After the operation, take adequate care to maintain the new you. This includes wearing well-fitting bras, ensuring that your weight does not yo-yo by incorporating a good diet chart in your routine. If you don’t take care, it’s possible that in a couple of years you’ll go back to being what you were like before the surgery.