In a deeply personal revelation, actress Sherlyn Chopra explains why she removed her heavy breast implants after 15 years, urging young people not to be misled by social media beauty pressures and to embrace their natural bodies.
Indian actress and model Sherlyn Chopra has opened up about her decision to remove her one and a half kilos of breast implants, a move that has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms. She posted an emotional video on Instagram, explaining why she chose to undergo implant removal surgery and used the moment to warn the younger generation about the dangers of altering their bodies to meet unrealistic beauty standards promoted online. In her own words, she said, “I have removed this huge weight from my chest. One side weighs 825 grams. I now feel as light as a butterfly. I request the younger generation not to be fooled by what is on social media and play with their bodies.” Her statement reflects a growing concern about social media pressures and the cosmetic surgery trends they inspire.
Sherlyn explained in the video that young people should never make decisions about their bodies under external pressure. She emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and natural appearance, saying that protecting one’s natural physical identity is far more important than trying to match the unrealistic standards set by influencers and celebrities. The actress had earlier posted another message saying, “Today I am removing my implant. Then I can live my life without any extra weight.”
Her decision was widely praised by many social media users who admired her honesty and vulnerability. Many appreciated her courage in speaking openly about cosmetic procedures and the emotional and physical toll they can take.
The discussion around her decision has also drawn attention to what breast implants are and how they work. A breast implant is a cosmetic procedure in which artificial material is surgically placed inside the breast to increase size or adjust shape. Breast implants are commonly made of silicone today. They are inserted into the breast through a small incision, usually under the breast fold. Plastic surgeon Vikas Gupta from Ludhiana, who owns Profile Fort clinic, explained, “I have been using breast implants for about 15 years. Earlier, I used saline. But I stopped using them because they could come out.” He added that modern silicone implants are more stable and easier to insert, and that “nobody except the patient and the surgeon knows that the surgery has been done.”
Dr. Gupta says that once a silicone implant is placed properly, it generally does not need to be replaced throughout a person’s lifetime. Professor Dr. Pinky Pargal, head of plastic surgery at Christian Medical College and Hospital in Ludhiana, explained that the trend of breast implants has increased rapidly in the last decade due to social media. “These types of cosmetic surgeries are not new, they have become a trend with the advent of social media. All these things have now become affordable for the common man. They are cheaper than before. That is why more people are opting for these surgeries,” she said.
Sherlyn stated that her implants weighed 825 grams, which is significantly larger than what experts recommend for Indian patients. Specialists said that implants between 350 and 400 milliliters are usually the maximum recommended size in India. Dr. Vikas explained, “Before performing this surgery, a specialist plastic surgeon examines the natural structure of the body. Based on that examination, the size of the breast implant is recommended. Given the physical structure of Indian women, implants larger than 350 to 400 milliliters are not recommended.” He added that the size depends on natural body proportions, including the shoulders, skin type, height, and weight.
Dr. Pinky agrees but warns that many unlicensed practitioners in India perform cosmetic surgeries without following proper medical guidelines. She said, “No specialist will do any number of implants just on the request of the patient. They will first examine the patient and then advise the patient on what size implant is suitable for them.” She also noted that unlicensed practitioners may agree to perform unsafe sizes of implants for a fee, putting patients at risk.
Experts say that breast implants are sought by women with breast deformities, women unhappy with their breast size, and transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming procedures. Dr. Pinky explained, “Many people see it as just a cosmetic surgery. But it is beneficial for someone whose breasts are not naturally developed.” However, she emphasized that women considering surgery due to social media influence must ask themselves whether it is truly necessary.
Regarding cost, Dr. Pinky explained that a breast implant procedure in India can cost between INR 50,000 and INR 150,000 depending on size and quality. The surgeon’s fee also plays a major role in the final cost. Surgery typically takes only one day, and patients must follow a doctor-prescribed diet for a month after the procedure. Dr. Vikas said, “Once it’s done, it’s there for life. They’re harmless. But if the client wants to remove them, they can easily do so.”
As with any surgery, there are risks. Dr. Vikas said that the main risk is infection but addressed common fears by saying, “Will it cause cancer? Will it cause problems for women in breastfeeding? Many people wonder. But it doesn’t. Breast implants do not increase the risk of cancer. Nor does it cause any difficulty in breastfeeding a baby.”
Sherlyn Chopra, a well-known Indian actress and model, has acted in both Hindi and Telugu films. She made her debut in the 2007 Hindi film Red Swastik and later became known for her bold public personality. At 38, Sherlyn describes herself online as an actress, social activist, producer, and law graduate. Her decision to remove her implants and openly discuss her reasons adds to ongoing conversations about body image, cosmetic surgery, and the influence of social media on personal decisions.
