Eastern Cape drive to offer breast-reduction surgeries

WHILE the Western Cape government is adamant that breast reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure, a group of doctors and nurses in the Eastern Cape recently embarked on a breast reduction campaign.

The health professionals from public and private hospitals in Mthatha performed 16 surgeries last week.

The campaign, in which women between 23 and 47 can have their large breasts reduced, is the brainchild of plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Viwe Nogaga, through his foundation, and in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health and other partners.

Western Cape Health MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said such procedures were not prioritised.

“Generally, we don’t prioritise (surgeries) for cosmetic purposes over those that respond to an illness,” Mbombo said.

She said the province was grappling with surgical backlogs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It wouldn’t make sense to prioritise such surgeries for cosmetic purposes,” Mbombo said, adding that the Eastern Cape referred some of its serious surgeries to the Western Cape.

Nogaga said while breast reduction surgery was considered a cosmetic procedure, the women suffered from serious back pain.

“This is an opportunity for us to help people because this is a procedure that helps people. It costs many thousands of rand, and an average citizen would not have money lying around to be able to have the procedure done privately,” Nogaga said.

He said the procedure was classified as a cosmetic procedure by most medical organisations.

He said plans were under way to offer the surgery to more women in the future.

Sibahle Qhomfo, said the procedure had helped improve her quality of life.

“It’s been difficult for all of us to do these cases because most people think this is a cosmetic procedure, but when you sit with the patients, you’ll understand that this is a very important life-changing procedure that has restored quality of life,” Qhomfo said.

“I have been suffering from backache and rib cage pain, which felt as though my ribs were breaking when I walk,” Qhomfo said.

Unathi Bhodlani, said she was grateful to have been chosen to participate.

“I think having undergone this procedure will help with my self-esteem. I had low self-esteem because I had to wear two bras at the same time. Now I can feel like a normal person.”