More cosmetic surgeries are performed on the chest than almost anywhere else on the body, with breast implants leading the way. Not long ago, “bigger is better” defined the ideal, but we’re seeing a shift toward smaller, more natural results. So what’s driving that change? Today, we’re diving into the world of chest surgery, and what it reveals about beauty, power, and the making of the “ideal” breast.

I am joined once again by Sarah Thornton, a sociologist, non-fiction writer, and author of four critically acclaimed books. Thornton’s most widely read book is Seven Days in the Art World, which is translated into over 20 languages. Her latest is titled, Tits Up: The Top Half of Women’s Liberation, which explores the significance of breasts across radically different social worlds.

Some of the specific topics we explore include:

How common are breast implants today?
How have aesthetic goals shifted over time?
What shapes patient preferences in augmentation?
Are there cross-cultural differences in breast augmentation?
How do augmentation, reconstruction, and reduction differ in purpose and meaning?

Check out Sarah’s website to learn more about her work.

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Episode 497: Inside The World Of Breast Implants And Chest Surgery

Sex and Psychology Podcast

Episode 497: Inside The World Of Breast Implants And Chest Surgery