Breast ironing, also known as breast flattening, is a harmful practice. In this practice, young girls’ breasts are damaged over time to flatten them. The goal is to delay their development. This process often involves hard or heated objects. Sometimes an elastic belt or binder is used to prevent the breasts from growing. The practice usually starts with the first signs of puberty and is most often carried out by female relatives who mistakenly believe they are protecting the girl from harassment, rape, abduction, and early forced marriage.

Breast ironing can cause serious physical issues. These include abscesses, cysts, itching, and tissue damage. It may also result in infection and discharge of milk. Breasts may become significantly different in shapes or sizes. Severe fever can occur, and even the total disappearance of one or both breasts is possible. It’s considered a form of child abuse and is illegal in many places.