Morphometric analysis and key dimensions of the female breast: a baseline study of 500 nulliparous Nigerian females

Abstract

Context: The female breast is a symbol of femininity. With recent developments in the surgical management of breast pathology, women now demand better aesthetic outcomes. Data on breast morphometry which should guide Nigerian breast surgeons in decision making is scarce. Aims: This study was aimed at measuring morphometric breast values in nulliparous Nigerian females, thus establishing reference data for the region. Settings and Design: This was a prospective and community-based study in which volunteer female students from the study hospital and 3 secondary schools in the community underwent breast measurements in order to establish reference data. Methods and Material: Physical measurements were carried out using measuring tape and meter rule, in the standing position. Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Student’s t-test analysis carried out.Results : Five hundred female volunteers with age range 15–30 years were studied. The average distance from the suprasternal notch to the right and left nipples were 19.76 cm and 20.09 cm respectively. The average distance from right and left nipples respectively to their inframammary folds were 8.13 cm and 8.28 cm. Breast dimensions were symmetrical in >50% of subjects. In the subjects with asymmetry, more were found to have greater left breast dimensions than right. Conclusions: Physical measurements of the Nigerian female breast are comparable with ranges in other parts of the world except for the Inframammary fold to nipple distance which is longer than values in studies on white subjects. This study establishes preliminary morphometric breast reference data for Nigerian females.