Current Perceptions of the Aesthetically Ideal Position and Size of the Male Nipple-Areola Complex

The dimensions of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and its location on the chest wall are important aesthetic factors in male breast surgery.

This study examines the perceptions of aesthetic surgeons and the general population for the aesthetically ideal position and size of male NAC.

An online survey was distributed to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) members and to the general population. Parameters queried included demographics for all participants and academic details for ASAPS members. Both surveys included a male model picture with 16 separate choices for the NAC position from a frontal view, 5 choices for the NAC position from a lateral view, and 6 choices for the NAC dimensions. For all 3 sets of images, the participants were asked to rank the top 3 images they considered most "aesthetically pleasing" in descending order. A weighted scoring rule was created to quantitatively evaluate image choices. Standard statistical methods were employed for analysis.

The survey was completed by 272 ASAPS members and 4909 participants from the general population. The top 3 choices for NAC location on frontal view were the same for ASAPS members and the general population. The most popular NAC location on lateral view was the same for both groups, but the preferred locations differed between the 2 groups for the second and third choices. The most popular dimensions of the NAC were 2 cm (vertical) × 3 cm (horizontal) followed by 2 cm × 2 cm for both groups. Comparison of the 3 top image choices scores between different ethnic groups and individuals with different gender or sexual orientation demonstrated similar trends.

This survey identified the preferred position and dimensions of the NAC on the male breast for plastic surgeons and the general population. These parameters should be considered when counseling males undergoing breast surgery.