Researchers Seek the ‘Perfect Breast’

Defined ratio of breast upper to lower poles found to have universal appeal

What is the perfect breast shape? According to a new study reported by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), most people agree that the breasts are most attractive when 45% of the breast is above the nipple and 55% is below the nipple.

This ratio of 45:55 was found to be the most alluring for men, women, people of all age groups and ethnicities, and even plastic surgeons.

Study seeks ideal breast proportions

The researchers performed a series of surveys to obtain opinions about breast aesthetics. The surveys were conducted using photographs of breasts of various sizes and proportions. Each breast was rated based on the percentage of the breast above the nipple (upper pole) and below the nipple (lower pole).

The attractiveness of the breast images were ranked by 1,315 respondents. Breasts in the 45:55 ratio (55% of breast below the nipple) were found to have sweeping appeal for all groups within the survey. These breasts were preferred as have a more natural look than those with a fuller upper pole. Breasts in the 50:50 ratio were a distant second choice.

“The 45:55 ratio has universal appeal in defining the ideal breast,” said the report, authored by plastic surgeons Dr. Patrick Mallucci and Dr. Olivier Alexandre Branford of London. “This is in stark contrast to previously misplaced assumptions that men prefer oversized or ‘fake’ breasts, a view that has long been held as a clichéd interpretation of male preference.”

The researchers believe their results will help to define an “aesthetic template” for breast surgery, including Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction and Breast Reconstruction.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons