Brazilian Study Finds Balanced Breast Proportions Preferred Over Size in Aesthetic Appeal
Brazilian researchers report that most surveyed medical students favor equal upper-lower breast proportions and central nipple placement over larger, top-heavy sizes.
Researchers at Brazil’s University of Passo Fundo examined preferences for breast shape by showing 239 medical students three images with varying upper-to-lower pole ratios (40/60, 50/50, 60/40). A clear majority—61.1%—selected the balanced 50/50 configuration, whereas only 10% chose the more voluminous 60/40 version. About 28.9% preferred the lower-heavy 40/60 ratio.
Close to 60% of participants also wanted the nipple positioned centrally, and 83.68% favored a small areola-nipple size. These outcomes differ from a 2023 New York University study that praised top-heavy breasts for attractiveness. The authors, publishing in the Brazilian Journal of Plastic Surgery, note the consistency of preferences across genders and hope the data will help surgeons prioritize symmetry, reflecting a broader shift toward modest implant sizes and concerns about social aggression linked to larger breasts.
Why it matters
Understanding aesthetic preferences can shape plastic-surgery practices and influence patient expectations.
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