Breast Men: Where do you draw the line?

The 1997 film Breast Men is inspired by the breast implant phenomenon, with its rise
to popularity and the related health and safety concerns. It follows the two lead doctors who
pioneered the usage of silicone breast implants as they gain immense recognition and
financial success but find themselves following different approaches when it comes to breast
augmentation. Dr. Larson, the more established and mentor, focuses on the clinical and
reconstructive side while the younger Dr. Saunders caters more to the cosmetic and a lot of
times exaggerated approach.
When it comes to breast augmentation, I think when it comes to the medical aspect –
for example breast reconstruction following mastectomy in a patient with breast cancer – it is
not much of an issue because the aim is to rebuild the shape and look before the disease
came. However, the issue becomes more complex when it is done for cosmetic and
aesthetic reasons with questions on how do you quantify what is enough and what is
considered to be excessive already? Where exactly do you draw the line? This issue is
difficult to navigate through as the desire to have the surgery, regardless of the risks
involved, can be stemming from different sources. In this age, we have become more
accepting that illness is not restricted to physical illness. Mental health is integral to a
person’s overall health and well-being. Issues such as low self-esteem, body dysmorphia,
and other self-image problems must be considered and addressed properly. We must also
remember that each person has a right to his or her body and therefore has the right to
decide for himself or herself. In medical ethics, patient autonomy is central and above all
other principles in most cases. I think respect is the way to go. There is a need for respect
towards others and their autonomy, respect for science, and respect for one’s self. As
mentioned, we all have the freedom to choose and the right to decide, but we must do so
responsibly. It is said that “your freedom ends where mine begins” and I think this is
something we should all keep in mind. Each person has to be knowledgeable and be fully
aware of the consequences of his or her actions. Physicians and healthcare professionals
have a role to play in this, having the responsibility to make the patients understand the
procedure that they want for themselves, including the possible risks and complications,
something that was not depicted that well in the film. One must reflect if there is more harm
than good, if the risk outweighs the benefit. We have to understand and to accept that
although science and medicine have had breakthrough discoveries, it also has its limits.