Bars offer 'Boobs for Beads'

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BUFFALO, N.Y., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- A group of New York state bars said they are offering a free breast-augmentation procedure to whoever collects the most beads during Mardi Gras celebrations.

The 13 Buffalo bars' "Boobs for Beads" promotion, masterminded by Bayou nightclub manager Sean Coughlin, offers a breast augmentation procedure by Dr. Lakshmanan Rajendran to the person who brings the most beads to the final count at 2 a.m. Wednesday at the Noir nightclub, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Tuesday.

However, Coughlin said the winner can be male or female and can opt instead for a tummy tuck, nose job or another form of cosmetic surgery comparable in price to the breast procedure.

The contest has drawn criticism from those who contend it promotes poor body image.

"I think the overall message is here's a shortcut to fixing something that's wrong with you -- which may or may not be wrong," said Sharon Mitchell, director of counseling services for the University at Buffalo.