Scientists analysed 40 scientific papers to understand how breast attractiveness is assessed. It turned out that there is no single "ideal" size or shape: overall body proportions and symmetry matter more. The review was published in the journal Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
The study was conducted by Pega Damavandi of Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Zhen Yu Wong of Morriston Hospital in Wales and Ryan Faderani of Royal Free Hospital in London. They examined publications from 2010 to 2024 devoted to breast aesthetics. Most of the papers were based on surveys in which people rated images or measurements. A smaller portion concerned patients after breast augmentation, reduction or reconstruction.
Previously, doctors tried to find universal standards, for example the exact distance from the jugular notch (the hollow at the base of the neck) to the nipple. But new data suggest that rigid rules do not work. People assess the breast in the context of the whole body, not in isolation. Symmetry between the left and right breast was almost always considered attractive, while pronounced asymmetry and excessive cleavage were not.
The distribution of volume also matters. Many people like breasts with a fuller lower half and a flat upper half. However, this is not universal: in some Asian populations, greater fullness on top is preferred. One study showed that firmness and contour may be more important than overall volume. The size and position of the areola (the circle around the nipple) were also assessed: a centrally positioned nipple and a smaller areola relative to the breast are usually preferred.
Three papers used eye-tracking, a technology for tracking eye movements. It was found that viewers looked longer at the lower part of the breast and the nipple, but viewing time did not predict the attractiveness rating. This means that attention and aesthetic preference are related but distinct processes.
Men and women often rate the importance of different features similarly. However, perception is influenced by cultural characteristics: Asian respondents more often pay attention to body proportions, and in Malaysia moderate or large volume is preferred. Surgeons themselves also have different preferences depending on the country.
The authors note that patients and doctors can find it difficult to understand each other. Words such as "natural" or "lifted" are interpreted differently by each person. The scientists propose using anatomical landmarks (for example, breast projection or its volume relative to the torso) as a basis for discussion rather than as rigid rules.
The review has limitations. Most studies relied on flat photographs and online surveys, which may not reflect perception in real life. In addition, the data are skewed towards Western and English-speaking populations: there are almost no studies involving African or Middle Eastern groups. Some studies used artificial intelligence to create ideal models, but such algorithms were trained on images that already contained cultural stereotypes.
The scientists call for further work with three-dimensional visualisation and long-term tracking of patient satisfaction. It is also important to include diverse cultural groups in order to understand how different societies perceive beauty.