The Various Shapes of the Breast
The breast comes in many shapes and sizes. If you are unhappy with any aspect of your breast shape or size, there is likely a way to improve its appearance. Here are some common breast shapes and sizes and their potential resolutions.
The image at left is generally considered the ideal breast shape and size, and the one women strive for when they opt for breast augmentation or other breast enhancement procedures.
The "swooping" breast occurs when the breast bends inward above the areola (pigmented area surrounding the nipple). Though swooping breasts do not sag as much as other breast shapes, breast implants can improve their shape.
Saggy, or ptotic, breasts are marked by drooping. The nipple tends to point downward because of this drooping. This breast shape commonly occurs with advancing age and/or the effects of pregnancy or breastfeeding. The amount of volume in a saggy breast varies based on the amount of fat. Some women with saggy breasts may only need a breast lift while others may benefit from a breast lift with implants.
A saggy, ptotic breast with little to no volume can occur due to aging or after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. Breast augmentation with or without a breast lift can help.
A saggy, ptotic breast with volume will likely need a breast lift and breast augmentation with implants. The good news is that there is usually enough breast tissue to cover the implant.
Small breasts are common. Breast augmentation with implants can increase the size of your breasts.
Tuberous breasts are narrow at their base, and project outward from the chest wall in a tubular shape. They are often small, and tend to droop. Breast augmentation with or without a breast lift and/or other breast enhancement procedures can help correct tuberous breasts. Make sure you choose a surgeon with extensive experience treating tuberous breasts.
Some women have large nipples and areolas. This can often be improved with areola reduction surgery, nipple reduction surgery, and/or a breast lift.
Pigeon chest or breast is marked by a protrusion of the sternum and ribs. Breast implants may help correct this deformity, and can also play a role in correcting a sunken chest.
If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, learn about your options by talking with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Ask to see before-and-after photographs of individuals who had similar complaints prior to their surgery.
