What should the perfect pair of breasts look like? And who decides? Scientific studies on the perfect breast are common throughout the world and they might have the answer. What matters the most: size, shape, bounce, cleavage, etc? Or is it a summation of the whole? Breasts have been one of the focal points in artwork, dating back as far as history goes. The Venus De Milo is the perfect example of ancient art depicting what the artist considered to be the perfect breast. Do you think after it was unveiled, there were ancient ladies standing around discussing how inadequate they felt looking at Venus’ perfect pair? Can you imagine the toga-wearing ladies asking themselves – Do I have “good” boobs? What makes boobs “bad”? If I have “bad” boobs, how do I make them “good”?
Women spend the better part of their lives thinking, talking, and obsessing about their boobs. I remember being one of the first girls in my 5th-grade class to begin growing a chest. As a somewhat reserved person, this was absolutely mortifying to me. I was always trying to find sports bras that would compact my chest as much as possible so it wouldn’t be quite so obvious. On the flip side, one of my best friends didn’t grow any sort of chest until we were well into high school. She was constantly lamenting over her lack of chest. A recent study has shown that a woman’s breast insecurities can be traced back to her relationship with her boobs at the onset of puberty.
It’s no surprise that a woman’s body image, specifically how she views her breasts, can determine her mental health. An alarming 70% of women have been found to be unhappy with their breasts, which explains why the rate of breast augmentation in the United States has been making a steady incline since the early 2000s.
Best Chest: Science Has Spoken…
When you think of a great chest, who is the first person who comes to mind? Kim Kardashian is one of the first for me. Apparently, some people at the Royal Free and University College London Hospitals in the United Kingdom decided they wanted an official answer to this question. After questioning over 1300 different people, including women, men, and plastic surgeons, they came up with an official answer: The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, and Scarlett Johansson.
What makes their boobs better than anyone else’s? According to what is now considered a scientific study, they have the perfect breast-nipple proportions. 45% of the breast is above the nipple line, with 55% below. This makes the nipple point upwards at a 20-degree angle. It has been dubbed (by science) as the “beckoning breast.” An astounding 87% of people polled said this shape was the perfect breast. According to experts, the “beckoning breast” is considered a natural shape.
This scientific study was based on the opinions of 1300 people. That’s a pretty small study considering the world has over 7 billion people! For all their scientific reasoning on the structure of the perfect breast, it is still based on the opinions of others. Should we take such a study as the Gold Standard of Beautiful Breasts?
READ OUR GUIDE TO THE CURRENT TRENDS IN BREAST AUGMENTATION
Which Other Celebrities Have Beautiful Breasts?
So Scarlett Johansson and Kate Middleton have the perfect breasts according to proportions and science. But there are other celebrities who have enviable breasts too. From the beautiful full breasts of Sofia Vergara and Christina Hendricks to the smaller lovely breasts of Gigi Hadid and Jourdan Dunn. Hollywood stars are always happy to show their breasts off. Of course they are helped to look great by an army of stylists and make-up artists who ensure they look great for the camera.
Where Does That Leave Me and My Mediocre Knockers?
Although I am now *ahem* a few years older than that embarrassed little 5th grader, I still have many days where I am self-conscious about the size of my chest. I developed fast and furiously and was one of the only rising high schoolers I knew with solid C cups. I hated any attention I got for it. I wanted to be just like my friends with their little A or B cups. I wanted to only need to wear one sports bra when I was at cross country and track practice, but alas, my girls were too unruly and boisterous for that. Around my junior year of college, I finally accepted that I was never going to have a small chest. I started to get cute bras and tell myself that they weren’t perfect boobs, but they were my boobs.
Fast forward 4 years: I’m married with my first baby on the way. HOLY CHEST. Practically overnight, my chest turned into some massive DDs. Most women love pregnancy boobs, but me? Not so much. I kept hoping they’d go back to ‘normal’ after I had my baby, but then I decided to breastfeed. The ladies swelled up to become two beach balls that just happily lived on my chest. Two years and another baby later, they still have not returned to their former glory. They are extremely large and pretty much in charge!
Yet, instead of continuing to spend my days lamenting over my poor boob luck, I’ve decided to embrace it. They haven’t really sagged due to babies and breastfeeding, which is a win. Are they obnoxious? Sure. Do I still wish I had a smaller chest? Definitely. But at the end of the day, I’ve mostly figured out how to keep them in check. I am no Duchess Kate, nor am I Scarlett Johansson. I definitely think I trend more towards the Kim Kardashian side of the boob spectrum. But I’ve decided that I am ok with that.
Who Decides What Perfect Boobs Look Like?
You can let science decide if you want. You can let pop culture decide. Or you can decide for yourself! Having perfect boobs is all about your opinion. You can love your breasts where they are at (for some of us, that means loving the post-breast feeding, DD cups), or you can make the decision to make them your ideal breasts via cosmetic surgery. At the end of the day, it’s your body, your self-image, your choice! No one can ultimately determine what the perfect breast looks like. A woman’s confidence in her own body is the answer.
In 2017, over 300,000 women received some sort of breast augmentation. These procedures range from implants to reduction to lifts and beyond. Plastic surgery is becoming more and more common among women who want to love their breasts. By consulting with a plastic surgeon, you have the ability to choose the shape, size, contouring, etc., so that you can define what the perfect pair of boobs looks like to you. Breast augmentation is not for everyone, but those who do choose that route do so in order to feel confident about their body. Three cheers to that!
Exploring Breast Augmentation: Types and Techniques
Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Various options are available depending on individual preferences and medical considerations. Let’s delve into the most common types: silicone and saline implants, along with the natural alternative of fat transfer.
Silicone vs. Saline Implants: What’s the Difference?
Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel that feels similar to human fat, making them popular for their soft and more natural feel. They are available in various shapes and sizes, allowing for a tailored approach to each individual’s body frame and desired outcome. One key aspect of silicone implants is that even if they leak, the gel tends to remain within the implant shell or escapes into the breast implant pocket, not causing immediate changes in the breast size but potentially leading to complications over time.
Saline Implants, on the other hand, are filled with sterile salt water. They are inserted empty and filled once in place, which allows for a smaller incision and slight adjustments in size during the surgery. Saline implants provide a firmer feel and are generally cheaper than silicone implants. If a saline implant ruptures, the body will absorb the saline safely, but the breast will deflate rapidly, making it more noticeable compared to silicone.
Both types of implants come with their pros and cons, and the choice often depends on personal preferences, budget, and the advice of the cosmetic surgeon.
Breast Reduction: Who Needs It and Why?
Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure designed for individuals who experience physical and emotional discomfort due to overly large breasts. People who benefit from this surgery often suffer from neck pain, back pain, and skin irritations under the breast area. Others might feel self-conscious or face limitations in physical activities due to the size and weight of their breasts.
This surgery is not only about cosmetic enhancement but also about alleviating discomfort and improving quality of life. Candidates typically include those who:
- Experience chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders that is attributable to the weight of their breasts.
- Have skin irritation or infections in the creases under their breasts.
- Find it difficult to participate in physical activities or find that their breast size restricts their lifestyle.
- Suffer from poor posture or have indentations from bra straps that are too tight.
- Feel self-conscious or experience psychological distress due to unwanted attention to their chest size.
- It’s important for anyone considering this procedure to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss their symptoms, expectations, and whether they are a good candidate for the surgery.
Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast reduction surgery offers several benefits that can significantly improve the patient’s lifestyle and overall well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:
Pain Relief: By reducing breast size, this surgery can alleviate the strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, leading to significant pain relief and improved overall comfort.
Increased Activity Level: Many individuals find that large breasts limit their ability to perform certain physical activities or exercise comfortably. Reduction surgery can help eliminate these barriers, encouraging a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Improved Appearance: Breast reduction can help achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing body contour. It also makes it easier to find clothing and bras that fit well, boosting self-esteem and body image.
Reduced Skin Problems: Large breasts often lead to skin irritation and infections under the breastfold. Reduction surgery decreases the risk of these issues by reducing the size of the breasts and the folds of skin.
Better Posture: Reducing breast weight can help improve posture by decreasing the forward pull on the spine. This can lead to less spinal pain and an overall better alignment of the body.
Psychological Benefits: Many individuals experience a boost in self-confidence and psychological well-being after breast reduction surgery, as it can alleviate the emotional and social stress associated with having overly large breasts.
Ultimately, breast reduction surgery can offer a transformative experience for those affected by the physical and emotional challenges of having large breasts. However, as with any surgical procedure, it is crucial to have realistic expectations and to discuss all potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider.
Breast Lifts: Restoring Youthfulness
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure aimed at restoring a more youthful and perky appearance to sagging breasts. This procedure is often sought by individuals who have experienced changes in their breast shape due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. Unlike breast augmentation, which primarily increases the size of the breasts, a breast lift focuses on reshaping and lifting the existing breast tissue.
The process involves removing excess, stretched skin and reshaping the breast tissue. The nipple and areola may also be repositioned or resized to enhance the aesthetic appearance. The result is firmer, lifted breasts that offer a more youthful contour. The benefits of a breast lift include:
- Improved breast shape and position, giving the chest a rejuvenated look.
- Enhanced body contour and proportion, often boosting personal confidence.
- Better fit and look in clothing, including swimsuits and bras.
While a breast lift can dramatically improve breast aesthetics, it does not significantly change the size or roundness of the breasts. For those looking to add volume, combining a breast lift with augmentation might be ideal.
Combining Breast Lift with Augmentation for Optimal Results
Combining a breast lift with augmentation is a popular choice for individuals seeking both uplift and increased volume. This combination procedure addresses sagging, improves shape, and adds size simultaneously, making it a comprehensive solution for those dissatisfied with both the fullness and the droopiness of their breasts.
Here’s how combining these procedures can lead to optimal results:
- Enhanced Volume and Lift: While the lift helps correct sagging by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue, implants (or fat transfer) add volume, particularly in the upper part of the breasts, where it tends to be lost with age or after breastfeeding.
- Symmetry and Shape: Implants can help achieve better symmetry and a more defined shape, which might not be fully possible with a lift alone, especially if the breasts have naturally differing shapes or volumes.
- Long-Lasting Results: By adding volume while lifting the breast, the weight of the implants can help maintain the shape longer, potentially reducing the effects of gravity compared to a lift alone.
- Customizable Outcomes: The procedure can be tailored to meet specific aesthetic goals regarding size, shape, and profile, allowing for a highly personalized outcome.
- Single Recovery Period: Combining the procedures means only one recovery period, which can be easier to manage than recovering from two separate surgeries.
It’s important to have a detailed consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations. The surgeon can recommend the best types of implants and surgical techniques based on your body type and desired outcome. This approach ensures that the results are as natural-looking and harmonious with the rest of your body as possible.
Elevate Your Confidence With Your Dream Breasts!
Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on cosmetic surgery trends!
