Perfect Breast Shape - Yates, York MD

What is the ideal or perfect breast shape? Interestingly there is very little real science answering this question. Beauty is very subjective and varies from person to person and culture to culture. Over time our conception of perfect breasts shape has changed as well, as larger, rounder breasts have been pushed on us through push-up bras, magazines and media.

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Defining the Ideal Breast Shape

It is important that plastic surgeons and their breast augmentation patients have an understanding of what the other would consider the ideal or perfect breast shape if that goal is ever achievable. However, studies looking at what plastic surgeons and their patients would consider perfect breast shapes suggest that they are often disparate.

In a 2003 study (Hsia and Thompson, PRS 2003) breast shape was classified based on upper breast fullness. Surgeons and their patients rated each of these shapes from 1 – 5 and the ratings were found to be drastically different between the two groups.

The “zero” shaped breast with basically a straight line in the upper pole had the highest ratings among plastic surgeons and lay people while the rounded “+6” shape was the most common ideal of the patient (breast augmentation) group.

What is the ideal shape of augmented breasts?

In my opinion, the ideal shape of augmented breasts should be the same as the ideal shape of natural breasts. However, my experience and the 2003 study I referenced would indicate that breast augmentation patients consider the ideal augmented breast shape something different.

I have illustrated an example of what many patients consider an “ideal” breast augmentation shape. I have not changed the lower breast or nipple position. The only variable that has been altered is the upper pole is fuller and a little round. The proportion of breast tissue above the nipple is higher than 45%.

Communicate with Your Plastic Surgeon

It is impossible for Dr. Yates or any plastic surgeon to predictably achieve an “ideal” result without adequate communication. Clearly everyone has their own opinions about their ideal shape. Neither is right or wrong it is just aesthetic tastes. Understanding whether you are interested in a natural or augmented look is very important.

The implant pocket location, implant size, implant shape, implant profile and implant fill material all influence the final shape and should be carefully considered. Dr. Yates finds the use of 3D imaging very helpful to help with this communication.