"70% of Women Dislike Their Breast Size"
Seems Influenced by Men's Evaluations and Criticism
A report has emerged that the number of women undergoing breast reduction surgery in the United States is increasing.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on the 27th (local time), more than 76,000 women in the U.S. underwent breast reduction surgery last year. This represents a 64% increase since 2019. The surge was especially notable among women under the age of 30.
The NYT analyzed that “the changing trend in breast reduction surgery is related to the fact that women’s breasts have been subject to endless evaluation and criticism from the male gaze.”
Statistics show that over 70% of women worldwide are dissatisfied with their breast size. Women with large breasts constantly attract male attention and often experience embarrassing situations at school, suffering mental and physical harm as they grow up.
Moreover, they face discomfort and humiliation when wearing sports bras during exercise or swimsuits. Last year, Australian researchers published findings in the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) journal showing that women with very large breasts tend to be less active in exercise, but after breast reduction surgery, their motivation and amount of exercise increase, leading to healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Claire Baxter of Flinders University Hospital in Australia, the first author of the study, stated, “Women who underwent breast reduction surgery reported an overall increase in the frequency, enjoyment, and motivation for exercise.”
Although more than 300,000 people undergo breast augmentation surgery annually?still more than those receiving reduction surgery?the NYT reported that a significant number of women each year are breaking conventions and turning to reduction surgery.
The NYT defined this as “an act of self-love and empowerment,” explaining that it “prioritizes one’s own comfort and independence over what others have traditionally considered sexy.”
However, the NYT also noted that uncomfortable male gazes have not changed. Since fewer than 20% of plastic surgeons are female, women often have to confront existing prejudices during surgery consultations with male doctors.
Recently, a story was posted on Reddit where a woman seeking consultation for breast disease-related reduction surgery was asked by the doctor how her boyfriend felt about the surgery. The doctor even refused to perform the surgery, warning that the patient might regret it.
The NYT shared the words of a woman named Suma Hashi, who said, “When I talked about reduction surgery, I was told, ‘I don’t think your husband will like it.’” Hashi reportedly responded, “What does that have to do with my husband?”
Sociologist Sarah Sontle, who has published social science books on breast-related topics, told the NYT, “We all say we want to live in a world where appearance doesn’t matter, but the reality is different,” urging that for women to be truly liberated, men must change.
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