Cosmetic surgery moves beyond metros, gains popularity in Hubballi-Dharwad

Behind the closed doors of plastic surgery clinics in north Karnataka, a quiet change is taking place. Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, once largely associated with film stars and people in big cities, are be coming increasingly common in Tier-2 cities such as Hubballi and Dharwad. Doctors say the reasons for seeking these procedures vary widely. While some patients want to improve their appearance and confidence, others are driven by social pressure, family expectations and concerns about how they are perceived by others.

One of the more sensitive procedures being sought is hymenoplasty, a short reconstructive procedure that some women undergo because of social beliefs surrounding virginity. Doctors say the procedure is generally not required for medical reasons. Instead, women may seek it because of anxiety about marriage, fear of marital disputes or pressure arising from traditional beliefs. The issue is particularly sensitive in communities where a woman’s virginity is wrongly linked to the condition of the hymen.

Medical experts point out that the hymen naturally differs from woman to woman. It can vary in shape and thickness and may stretch or tear due to several reasons, including physical activity. In some cases, it may not tear even after sexual intercourse. Therefore, doctors stress that the condition of the hymen cannot be used to determine whether a woman has had sexual in tercourse. The belief that an intact hymen proves virginity is a social myth and has no scientific basis.

Speaking to News Trail, cosmetic surgeon, Dr SS Shirol, who practices at Sampige Plastic Surgery Centre in Hubballi, said, women seeking hymenoplasty often place a high value on privacy. Some travel to another city or district to avoid being recognised and may prefer to pay directly rather than in olve family members. The reasons can include entering an arranged marriage after a previous relationship or wanting to move forward with a new marriage after the death of a former partner.

At the same time, clinics are witnessing greater demand for procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction and body-contouring surgeries. Doctors attribute the trend partly to greater financial independence among women and the wider availability of cosmetic procedures. “Over the past few years, we have observed an approximately 5% increase in hymenoplasty procedures at our hospital. Hymenoplasty is performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons, and the procedure can help restore the anatomical laxity associated with the hymen,” said Dr So mashekhar Samagandi of Shruti Superspeciality Hospital.

“We have not observed any significant increase or decrease in the number of patients seeking hymeno plasty; the demand has remained relatively constant. This could be due to greater social acceptance and the influence of broader cultural trends. However, we are seeing an increase in breast augmentation procedures, said Dr Arun Jeedi, plastic surgeon at Secure Hospital. Dr Raghavendra S, who practises at Akriti Plastic Surgery Centre, Gandhi Chowk, Raichur, said, “Awareness about breast implant procedures is in creasing, particularly as people are becoming more conscious of their appearance in the digital age."