WOMEN’S BODIES: BREAST PROBLEMS
Breast size and shape
As already discussed, many women are unhappy about certain features of their breasts. Because of their powerful sexual significance in our society, breasts seem to be a greater source of dissatisfaction than most other body features.
It’s easy to say that we should accept our bodies as they are and that people love us for our whole selves whatever the size of our breasts, the colour of our hair, the shape of our noses and so on. This type of statement doesn’t make much of an impression on the woman who’s been embarrassed since her early teens because of her big bosom, or the young woman with one breast twice the size of the other, or the woman whose breasts droop so much after her first pregnancy that she won’t undress in front of her husband.
I agree with the ideology that people should accept and love us for ourselves, warts and all. But unfortunately many people can’t love themselves if they feel that they have a physical feature that is freakish or ugly: they become depressed and withdrawn. I believe that there are many instances where the benefits of cosmetic surgery, in terms of improved self-esteem and confidence, outweigh any amount of ideological argument.
A skilled, caring surgeon and thorough counselling are the most important factors in ensuring satisfactory results.
Should we wear bras?
This question would never have arisen between about 1910 and the mid-1960s when all women wore bras, either to flatten and conceal breasts in the ‘flapper’ era, or to mould them into the fashionable shape of the 1940s-60s.
Today, the main advantage of a bra is that it supports the weight of the breasts, thus preventing premature stretching of the fibrous ligaments that anchor the breasts to the chest wall. Support is more important for heavy breasts, especially in the following circumstances:
• during adolescence if the breasts become large rapidly. A firm bra with non-stretch straps can help to reduce the number and size of stretch marks on the underside of the breast. Adolescent girls with small breasts don’t need a bra • during pregnancy and breast-feeding, when enlargement of the breasts puts additional strain on the supporting ligaments
• if you have tender breasts, a firm bra usually helps
• a bra is a good idea during active sports to cushion jolting movements of the breasts.
Louise’s story
Louise at the age of 22 was 164 cm tall and weighed 49 kg. Her bust measurement was 101 cm and she wore a D cup bra. She had lost 9 kg weight since the age of 18 – ‘I lost weight everywhere except from my bust’. All her clothes, including bras and bathers, had to be specially made. She had endured wolf whistles and jokes about her breasts since her early teens. She had come to think of herself as a freak and had become socially withdrawn and depressed. She had never accepted an invitation for a date.
Her parents and her family doctor suggested that she consider surgery for breast reduction. She consulted a surgeon who counselled her carefully about all aspects of the surgery and its likely physical and emotional effects, and decided to go ahead. Five years later she’s happily married with a baby son (whom she’s breast-feeding).
Louise’s story may sound extreme, but extremes are not so rare. It’s also a success story. You’ll all have heard cosmetic surgery stories that don t end happily, either physically or psychologically or both. If you’re considering surgery to change any part of your body, make sure that you’re aware of all possible outcomes. Two opinions are a good idea.
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Categories: Women's Health | Tags: Women’s Health
