By: David Stoker, MD

Romanian tennis pro Simona Halep is known for her serves and returns…as well as her 34DD chest. Although her top-heavy shape hasn’t kept her from a great deal of athletic success, she thinks that she could be even more competitive if she reduced the size of her cumbersome breasts. So, according to a report posted on the Plastic Surgery Channel (here) she’s decided to pursue breast reduction.

Much has been done in the name of athletic success – diets, performance-enhancing drugs, excessive weight training, and otherwise pushing health and physical ability to the limits. I think it’s unfair to put Ms. Halep’s decision in the same category as such foolish and unethical practices as steroid use. Any of my breast reduction patients from Beverly Hills and Los Angeles can tell you that, even if you’re not a professional athlete, overly large breasts can be uncomfortable and downright inconvenient. Even something as simple as going for a jog can be a painful experience. That’s why the procedure is often covered by health insurance. So, when Simona says that her breasts limit her “ability to react quickly,” and detract from the quality of her game, I don’t doubt it for a moment.

Though I don’t know all the details, I suspect that Simona’s decision is completely valid. It certainly isn’t about giving herself an “edge” over the competition. Instead, she’s “leveling the playing field” and relieving a categorically limiting condition. Even after her tennis career is over, her breast reduction will most likely have a positive effect on the rest of her life.

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