Is it permissible, in Islamic law, to surgically reduce enlarged breasts in a man after losing weight?
Cosmetic surgery is of two types: necessary and needs-based. This is surgery to remove defects resulting from illness, accident, or congenital deformities. This type is permissible. Among the evidences for its permissibility are the hadith of Arfajah ibn As'ad, who took a nose made of gold, and the hadith cursing women who tattoo, pluck eyebrows, and file teeth for beauty, as Al-Nawawi indicated that the prohibition is for seeking beauty, not for treatment or removing a defect.
The second type is aesthetic cosmetic surgery, which aims to improve appearance without necessity or need. This type is forbidden because it is a change to Allah's creation, as in His Almighty saying: "and I will surely command them, and they will change the creation of Allah." So, if the size of the breasts causes harm or is considered a congenital defect, then performing surgery is permissible. However, if the goal is merely to increase beauty and adornment, then it is not permissible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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