Of course, the breasts are a very important part of the female body which contributes to a feminine appearance. Small breasts and asymmetrical breasts are major aesthetic concerns for women. To meet the aesthetic goals of women, plastic surgery centers offer advanced breast enhancement procedures.
A new study seeks to define the ideal breast proportions for a perfect, aesthetically attractive breast contour. The study report concluded that “The 45:55 ratio has universal appeal in defining the ideal breast.” The report in the September issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), noted that the perfect breast shape would be an “upper pole to lower pole ratio of 45:55”.
Surveys were conducted based on “aesthetic ideal of the breast” and here are some relevant details:
- Surveys used photographs of the breasts of women of different sizes
- Taking into account “key objective parameters,” the researchers altered the breast images using Photoshop
- Different proportions were noted in the resulting breast images such as 35:65, 45:55, 50:50, and 55:45, based on the upper to lower pole of the breast
- The nipple level indicated the dividing line between the upper and lower poles
- In a breast with a 45:55 ratio, 45 percent of the breast was on the upper pole and 55 percent on the lower pole
- 1,315 people ranked the attractiveness of the breast images in the survey
- Results were compared for people of different ages, women versus men, and in diverse racial/ethnic groups
- Ratings from 53 plastic surgeons were also part of the study
- The responses were consistent as 45:55 ratio was rated as the most attractive by all groups
- 94 percent of plastic surgeons, 90 percent of men, 87 percent of women in their thirties and all racial/ethnic groups rated 45:55 ratio as the best
These results somewhat contradicted earlier assumptions and ideas regarding the perfect breast size. This seriously goes against the premise that men prefer oversized and overfilled breasts. The study also raises doubts regarding the inference that different cultural groups differed in their perception of the appearance of the breasts. Researchers were happy that the plastic surgeons looking to offer the optimal breast contour to women seeking breast augmentation can now consider these responses to offer a better outcome.
The researchers wish their results would be a “visual guide for both patient and surgeon…the end goal being to produce more acceptable, longer lasting results and ultimately more beautiful breasts.”