Population Analysis of the Perfect Breast

Abstract

Background: The authors previously identified key objective parameters that define the aesthetic ideal of the breast in a study of 100 models with natural breasts. In this follow-up article, the opinion of the general public on ideal breast proportions was surveyed. Methods: One thousand three hundred fifteen respondents were asked to rank the attractiveness of images of four women with varying breast sizes. Each of the women’s breasts were morphed into four different proportions. One of the key features was the upper pole–to–lower pole percentage proportion, corresponding to ratios of 35:65, 45:55, 50:50, and 55:45. Rankings were analyzed according to population demographics. Effects of age, sex, nationality, and ethnicity were evaluated. The responses of 53 plastic surgeons were included. Results: Breasts with an upper pole–to–lower pole ratio of 45:55 were universally scored highest, in particular, by 87 percent of women in their thirties (n = 190), 90 percent of men (n = 655), 94 percent of plastic surgeons (n = 53), 92 percent of North Americans (n = 89), 95 percent of South Americans (n = 23), 86 percent of Europeans (n = 982), 87 percent of Caucasians (n = 1016), and 87 percent of Asians (n = 209). Conclusions: This study reaffirms the authors’ previous findings that the 45:55 ratio has universal appeal in defining the ideal breast. The authors propose that this proportion should be used as a basis for design in aesthetic surgery.