A cosmetic surgery clinic in Visakhapatnam, Dr YV Rao Clinics, found itself at the center of an online controversy after an advertisement featuring an image of what appears to be bare female breasts went viral. The ad, which was displayed on a police booth in the city, was meant to promote the clinic’s hair transplant and cosmetic surgery services through “before and after” photos.
The controversial image, which sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, raised questions about the clinic’s choice to feature female breasts in a public advertisement. A Reddit user shared a photo of the ad with the caption: “WTF. What did I see?” The ad was posted near SevenHills in Visakhapatnam.
WTF
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In India, public nudity is illegal, and exposing female breasts is considered a breach of public decency and social norms. In contrast, it is socially acceptable for men to be topless in certain locations like beaches or water parks. The image prompted a heated discussion on Reddit, with users debating whether the photo depicted male or female breasts. Some argued that even if it showed a female breast, it shouldn’t be sexualized as the ad was meant to promote a clinical service.
In response to the backlash, a spokesperson for Dr YV Rao Clinics clarified that the image actually depicted male breasts and was intended to promote gynecomastia reduction surgery. Gynecomastia is a condition where males develop enlarged breast tissue, resulting in a more feminine chest appearance.
The spokesperson explained, “It is [an ad for] male breast (gynecomastia) reduction surgery,” and added, “Many people are suffering physically and psychologically with these, so it is an attempt to tell them that there are such facilities.” The spokesperson further assured, “If there is any problem, we will remove them, no problem,” and confirmed that the clinic would remove the ad if it continued to offend viewers.
