The Aesthetically Ideal Position of the Nipple–Areola Complex on the Breast

Abstract

Background: Several studies have attempted to identify anobjective description of the aesthetically ideal breast, butthey have all suffered in their reliability because of havingseveral intrinsic limitations. It is therefore essential todesign a template of ideal breast features in order to predictand evaluate aesthetic outcomes in both reconstructive andcosmetic breast surgery. The aim of this study was todetermine the aesthetically preferred position of the nipple–areola complex on the breast. Methods: A questionnaire was sent by regular mail to 1000men and 1000 women aged between 16 and 74 years. Theywere asked to rank the attractiveness of a series of breastsof women in images with different NAC positions. Theimages showed breasts from two different angles: 12frontal-view images with both breasts shown, and five sideviewimages with only one breast shown. All of the breastshad equal dimensions and proportions, with the same areolasize but different NAC positions. Statistical analysis ofdata was carried out. Results: Eight hundred and thirteen of 2000 participantscompleted the questionnaire. The NAC placement preferredby both genders had a ratio of 40:60 x and 50:50 y,which means that it was best situated in the middle of thebreast gland vertically and slightly lateral to the midpointhorizontally. Significant differences were found betweenthe age and gender subgroup preferences. Conclusions: This study identified the preferred position ofthe nipple–areola complex on the female breast in thegeneral population. This is an important information whenplanning breast reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. Level of Evidence II: This journal requires that authorsassign a level of evidence to each article. For a fulldescription of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings,please refer to the Table of Contents or the onlineInstructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.