Breasts beat buff in makeover race

Noted cosmetic surgeon Jan Hochtritt, of Prosurgicare Services in Kingston, said that while many Jamaican women have a strong desire to "have three pounds" of buff, they are not too eager to look plump.

"The procedures that are the most common are breast reduction, tummy tuck, BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lift), liposuction and breast augmentation," Hochtritt said.

He said that procedures such as face and neck lifts as well as vagina rejuvenation or tightening are among the least demanded procedures.

Hochtritt highlighted the distinct motivations behind certain procedures, stating that vaginal tightening is commonly requested by women in their 40s, often mothers, who may harbour concerns about their spouses straying, and seek a means to maintain their partner's interest. On the other hand, he mentioned that the augmentation of labias - the externally visible portions of the vulva - , or "fluffening," is more commonly pursued by women who wear yoga pants or tight-fitting clothing.

"That's just for people who still want to have children, they're still waiting to get the husband," he reasoned.

The cosmetic surgeon said that women who choose to fluff up their buffs are usually "meagre 'down there'". He said women who are seeking attention are more likely to do a BBL.

"For the butt, everybody sees it, while for the labia, unless you walk around in yoga pants or in the gym all the time, there is not much attention," he said.

Beyond surgical interventions, some women explore alternative methods, including the purchase of fake camel toes to enhance the appearance of their labias in clothing. However, Sade Buckeridge, proprietor of Fetish Secretz Ltd., clarified that this trend has not gained significant traction in Jamaica. She noted that there is a variety of products on the market, such as seamless underwear, gel inserts, padded shapewear, and fashion tapes, which women utilise to enhance their appearance and meet their aesthetic preferences.

It's a form of novelty, you know. We usually carry them, but since it's not a top seller, or in high demand, I only stock them if someone pre-orders," she said.

"Camel toe pads are outdated, now they are using other products, and with the option of cosmetic surgery, that's contributing to the buffness," she added.