A Study Of Breast Beauty

The results of a study recently published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal identified breastfeeding as a factor in keeping the breast beautiful as women age. 161 pairs of identical female twins agreed to participate in the study at the 2009 and 2010 Twinsburg twin festival. The women were interviewed, their medical histories obtained, and their breasts photographed. The researchers sought to study environmental effects on “appearance, aging, and disorders of the breast.” The fact that the women who participated were all identical twins controlled for genetic predispositions. After complete analysis the researchers concluded that the effects of aging on the breasts are varied, however there were two surprising results.

One result that surprised researchers was that breastfeeding can enhance skin quality of the breast. The researchers determined that this factor counted heavily in “overall attractiveness” of the breast. The study stated that “Although the attractiveness of areola shape and size were reduced in women who breastfed, these women had significantly better skin quality than women who had never breastfed. Since skin quality was found to be a much stronger determinant of overall perceived breast age, the net effect of breastfeeding was positive”. Interestingly, not only was hormone replacement therapy, in post menopausal women, associated with slowing the aging of the breasts, but so was moisturizing. Moisturizing the breasts works as well as moisturizing the face.

Of course the study also found smoking, drinking alcohol, and a high BMI as having detrimental effects on the breast as women age. And of course multiple pregnancies had more of a negative effect on breast shape, size, and ptosis (lowering or drooping). A breast lift or breast augmentation in conjunction with a breast lift can help alleviate these problems . . . however, you will have to stop smoking to prepare for either. Here at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, Arkansas, I offer both procedures.

This study confirms that breast feeding and daily moisturizing can help keep your breasts beautiful. So don’t be afraid to breastfeed, ladies. The old myth of breastfeeding being harmful to you beauty is being debunked.

Call Melinda, my Patient/Surgery Coordinator at the Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center to set up your appointment. 501 227-0707