(Seychelles News Agency) - A breast reduction specialist from India is conducting a week-long camp in Seychelles to provide free surgeries. 

"Many women suffer from symptoms caused by the weight of their breast, and this can cause neck and back pain, or other physical pains in different parts of the body,” said the specialist, Vaibhav Khanna, who is conducting the surgeries at the Seychelles Hospital.

Khanna said that “breast reduction surgery is a highly effective treatment because it deals directly with the cause of the symptoms, and most women who get breast reduction are very satisfied with the results.”

He added that female breast reduction is considered as one of the most commonly requested and successful surgeries done locally.

“Smaller, lighter and firmer breasts means that the patient will no longer suffer discomfort and pain,” explained the breast reduction specialist, adding that “the scars fade away after a certain period of time.”

The breast reduction camp is made possible through a collaboration between the Jeo Jyoti Foundation of India and Seychelles’ Ministry of Health.

The Jeo Jyoti Foundation of India, also known as JJ India, was set up in November 2010 by Khanna in memory of his parents. Khanna identified Seychelles -- a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean -- as one of the main areas of its activities, mostly in the health sector.

This is the third specialised event carried out in Seychelles by the Jeo Jyoti Foundation. The first was held in December 2011, when seven locals underwent spinal surgery. A second camp was held in August 2012, where 28 knee replacements were done.

As from this week up to March 27^th, around 20 women will go through the procedure to have their breasts reduced.

Elizabeth Lafortune is one woman who has benefitted from the surgery. “I have been having physical pain for the last eight years. I was having back problems and pain in my arms and shoulders.”

Lafortune said it took her over 10 years to seek help. “I always thought the pain was related to my weight and now after the surgery, I feel lighter than before.”

Dr. Khanna is expected back in Seychelles in six months for check-ups and as a follow-up on all the patients who have undergone the surgery.