Two Day Magazine

I know we live in a youth-obsessed culture where we are all supposed to be toned, smooth and perky, but this takes our neuroses to a whole new plane of crazy.

Surgeons in the U.K. are now offering an “invisible bra” which promises to give its wearers a boost. Sounds harmless, but this bra is worn under the skin. The cone shaped polyester mesh support, called Breform, is inserted under the skin of the breast. The internal bra system is expected to last a lifetime, as opposed to implants, which last around 10 years.

The mesh is similar to one that has been used for over 40 years in hernia operations and supports the new shape, taking the strain off of the skin and scars.

The cost? A whopping $9100.

“Over time, with gravity and pressures on the tissue, the skin stretches and you get drooping. The Breform supports the breast tissue into its new position. It is a very safe mesh and you cannot feel it when it is under the skin. It is effectively a thin layer of sponge but has enough strength to support the breast tissue,” states Fiona Court, a consultant breast surgeon from Nuffield Health in Chetlenham who offers the procedure.

This operation is only reinforcing the notion that women should all look the same, that our bodies should all be forever youthful and flawless, and that men want and expect nothing less than physical perfection. It disturbs me that so many young women will start wondering if they, too, need a ‘lift’ and will only increase the panic, frustration and low self esteem that women in our culture already suffer from. The Breform is just another way to play on these insecurities and make women feel as though they are never good enough, can’t measure up to such high standards of physical beauty, and once again narrows the spectrum of what an attractive body is supposed to look like.

Procedures like this are also insulting to men, for they assume that all men look at women with a critical, judgmental eye and that men don’t have the ability or capacity to appreciate beauty in all different shapes and sizes.  

This new “device” has been licensed for use in Europe but not yet in the United States. The procedure, which was developed in South Africa, is not for every woman. A mammogram may be needed and age will also play a role in deciding if the Breform will be a suitable fit, so to speak.

Now, I am not trying to say that this device should be banned, but I question it’s value to our society, much like I question implants, as well. Creating a situation where women feel as thought they never measure up is a great way to sell a product, but a horrible thing to do to our collective spirit. No wonder so many of us feel so dejected. Instead of really “lifting us up” on a spiritual and emotional level, we are encouraged instead to “get a lift” physically. Not surprising, but sad, nonetheless.

What are your thoughts?