What are the different breast shapes?

The different 'types' of breasts

When it comes to breasts, they come in a whole range of shapes and sizes. The truth is that every woman's breasts are as unique as they are and there is perhaps no way of answering what a normal breast shape is. 

Different breast shapes mean that women may pose that exact question though: they want to know if how their breasts appear is ‘normal’ or if there is any cause for concern. This is often not helped by how women’s bodies are portrayed in the media where it appears that there is only one type of breast shape.

Although every woman’s breasts are unique to her, there are breast shape types that they often fall into. This doesn’t do away with the uniqueness but it is a way that makes it easier to describe breasts and this can be important when it comes to ever considering any form of breast surgery as being able to identify a breast shape type can aid a surgeon when it comes to planning any procedure. As well as this, understanding boob shapes can help you make more of an informed choice when it comes to buying bras. 

In this article, we are going to have a look at the different breast shapes and consider why they can vary so much. 

What are the different breast shapes?

As we have seen already, although breasts may all be unique there are breast shape types that help us to describe them. These terms are helpful during a breast augmentation consultation when discussing the desired breast implant shapes with your surgeon. 

Different boob shapes include:

There are also other breast shape types such as relaxed, round, side set, and slender.

Why do breast shape types differ?

The biggest factor that determines your breast shape is genetics. Your genes play an important role in their size, shape, and pretty much everything else. Aside from this though, there are also factors that cause changes so you may end up with a different breast shape:

Weight

The fat in your body plays an important role when it comes to breast tissue and shape. They may add to the weight of your breasts, with heavy breasts sometimes causing discomfort. You may notice that the size and shape of your breasts will vary when you gain or lose weight. For example, if you are overweight your breasts may be carrying some of that fatty tissue and be large, but when you lose weight you may lose volume and therefore the shape may change. Significant weightloss - or weight gain - can alter the shape of your breasts.

Exercise

It has been said that exercise can lead to a different breast shape, but through strenghtening the muscles and connective tissues behind the breasts rather than the tissue or cup size itself. Building the muscle behind the breast tissue can result in firmer breasts. It is worth noting that this will only make a minor difference compared with the likes of surgery, and the only way exercise can affect your cup size is if it reduces fatty tissue in the area through fat-burning exercises and weight loss initiatives.

Ageing

It is very common for ageing to lead to breasts sagging and pointing downwards. This is because we naturally lose fat tissue and collagen as we age, so the skin and connective tissues of our breasts will gradually be pulled downwards.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

The hormones released during pregnancy and breastfeeding can lead to breast swelling. This can then alter how fat and breast tissue are distributed and lead to a change in their shape. Some women find that after breastfeeding their breasts do not return to their original shape and size, which is completely normal, though some new mums do choose cosmetic surgery to regain their previous figure.

Is there a normal breast shape type?

Given that breasts are as unique as we all are, it may be difficult to imagine that there is one breast shape that is classed as normal. In truth though, given that there are so many different boob shapes, there is no such thing as normal. 

We have already considered the archetype breast and this is the one that manufacturers usually base their bra designs on. How this decision was made is perhaps a little confusing when you consider that over half of women have asymmetrical breasts. That does little to support the idea that the archetype breast is anywhere close to being normal.

The conical breast shape is hardly rare either. This tends to be more common in women who have smaller breasts, but this is hardly a rarity in itself. The fact that your breast shape can change suggests that there is no normal. 

All that really exists when it comes to normal, is what each individual actually wants from their breasts. Some women are able to embrace the size and shape of their breasts, whereas for others it can be a source of significant unhappiness such as some women yearning for larger breasts and some preferring a reduction in size to ease pain and discomfort. This is why Cadogan Clinic offers variations in breast implant shapes, to help all women achieve their desired results.

How can breast surgery restore a more balanced breast shape?

For women who are unhappy with the shape of their breasts, a consultation with a specialist can explore the surgical options available to alter these. 

Knowing that asymmetrical breasts affect over half of the population, for some women breast enlargement and augmentation may be a solution. Where breasts only vary slightly in size then there is unlikely to be a need, or even a desire, for surgery. However, for some women, the variation can be as much as a cup size. Not only does this make finding suitable bras difficult, but it can also make women feel extremely self-conscious. The use of implants can help to balance the breasts so that they are equal in size.

Women who have breasts that are sagging and pointing downwards may also opt for surgery to try and correct this. In these cases, a breast lift or mastopexy, may be a suitable solution. This procedure, as the name suggests, lifts the breasts and can give them a more youthful shape and appearance. 

Cosmetic breast surgery can assist in a number of ways where women are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. The best way to find out exactly how any surgery could assist you to achieve the look that you desire is by arranging a consultation with one of our experts.