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Differences in breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking breast augmentation
Henry C Hsia1, J Grant Thomson
1Section of Plastic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn 06520, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Plastic surgeons and breast augmentation patients show differing preferences for upper-pole breast contours. Surgeons favor concave shapes, while patients prefer convex ones, impacting patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Aesthetic Medicine
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Limited research exists on breast shape preferences, particularly concerning upper-pole contour.
- Understanding aesthetic ideals is crucial for patient satisfaction in breast augmentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare breast shape preferences between plastic surgeons and patients seeking augmentation.
- To identify discrepancies in the perception of ideal upper-pole breast contours.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 66 respondents (plastic surgeons, breast augmentation patients, lay individuals) evaluating 12 breast profiles.
- Utilized a five-point Likert scale to assess attractiveness, naturalness, and ideal shape perception.
- Statistical analysis compared preferences across the three cohorts.
Main Results:
- Plastic surgeons rated concave contours higher for attractiveness and naturalness than patients (p < 0.01).
- Plastic surgeons rated convex contours lower than patients (p < 0.01).
- Lay individuals' preferences were intermediate between surgeons and patients.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in breast upper-pole contour preferences between plastic surgeons and augmentation patients.
- These divergent aesthetic ideals may influence surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
- Further research is needed to explore these aesthetic discrepancies and their clinical implications.