Breast reduction ‘marathon’ campaign brings relief for 17 young Eastern Cape women
Three-day marathon at Mthatha Regional Hospital led by Dr Viwe Nogaga
Seventeen women have literally had a weight lifted off them.
There was a breast reduction surgery marathon at the Mthatha regional hospital this weekend.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Viwe Nogaga, through his Viwe Nogaga Foundation, led the three-day event in collaboration with Vodacom, medical equipment manufacturing firm Smith & Nephew, Mthatha Plastic Manufacturers and the provincial health department.
The operations took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Sibahle Qhomfo, 38, from Middledrift, was one of the patients.
“The surgery has immensely helped me in so many ways, as I was suffering from backaches and painful ribs,” she said.
“I would sweat underneath my breasts, which would lead to blisters and sores.
“I am grateful to the foundation and the department of health as I could not afford to pay for the procedure, but they came to our rescue.”
Another patient, 35, from Lusikisiki, wanted to remain anonymous.
She has been suffering with similar problems.
“Growing up, I lost all my confidence,” she said.
“My breasts started growing when I was in primary school. I was 12 years old.
“It affected me academically, as I could not participate in any activities.
“I used to wear two brassieres to support my breasts.
“This initiative has changed our lives.”
Acting hospital CEO Dr Putunywa Nxiweni was excited about the initiative and pleased that the hospital was hosting such a memorable event, the first of its kind.
While some might consider breast reduction a cosmetic procedure, it was far from that for these women, as the doctors are well aware.
Nogaga said: “When I started working at the Nelson Mandela public hospital in 2020, there was a strong interest from patients wanting breast reductions, but it was prevented by Covid-19.” people come from rural areas
The backlog grew to more and do not have medical aid, than 150 patients. “We had to and some have to compete with do something about it as some patients with chronic illnesses or vehicle accident survivors who are in need of surgery.
“This problem affects women mentally as they feel insecure about their appearance.”
The 17 patients were between 23 and 43 years old.
Nogaga said they were hoping that in their next marathon there would be teenagers who wanted to reduce the size of their breasts.
The marathon had volunteers across the country, including four anaesthetists, two surgeons and six assistant doctors.
An operation takes three hours.
Nogaga said: “Breast reduction was undermined as a semicosmetic procedure.
“People with huge breasts are suffering with backaches and neck pains.
“With this marathon, we are restoring quality of life to women who have been suffering.”
Health department spokesperson Yonela Dekeda said: “The majority of the women set to benefit from this life-changing procedure come from underprivileged backgrounds and cannot afford to access such services at private facilities.”
The patients with disproportionate breasts suffer severe health conditions like chronic back and neck pains, headaches, shoulder pains, deep brastrap grooves, and rashes beneath their breasts.
She said: “Their breasts can become chronically painful, causing postural changes, along with inflammation, irritation and other dermatology manifestations.”
This also has a psychological impact and many patients develop low self-esteem and selfconsciousness about their size.
Reduction mammoplasty eliminates these problems in most instances.