Your Guide to Common Breast Shapes and Surgery Options


Have you ever stood in front of the mirror, wondering why your breasts look the way they do? Or perhaps you’ve caught yourself scrolling through social media, comparing your body to the seemingly flawless images flooding your feed. In the age of social media, filters and photoshop, it’s so easy to compare yourself to the ‘perfect’ bodies seen online, but it’s important to remind ourselves that what we see isn’t always reality.

The truth is, breast shapes vary widely, and there’s no one-size-fits-all or ‘perfect’ shape. Whether your breasts are asymmetrical, round, or teardrop-shaped, each variation is perfectly normal and natural.

This guide will help you understand the variety of breast shapes out there and for those considering enhancing or modifying your breast shape, we’ll also discuss some of the options available. So whether you’re perfectly content with your breasts or curious about possibilities, this information is for you.

What Are the Different Breast Shapes?

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are exactly alike. It’s important to remember that every woman’s breasts are unique, and each shape is completely natural.

Here are some of the most common breast shapes:

  • Asymmetric: One breast is noticeably larger than the other.
  • Bell-shaped: Fuller at the bottom and narrower at the top.
  • East West/Outward Facing: Nipples point outward, away from the centre of the chest.
  • Relaxed/Sagging: Breasts that hang lower with a downward-facing nipple.
  • Round/Archetypal: Equally full at the top and bottom, often seen as the most “balanced” shape.
  • Side Set/Wide Gap: A wider space between the breasts.
  • Slender/Athletic: Narrow, with less tissue and a firmer feel.
  • Teardrop/Pear: Fuller at the bottom, tapering toward the top.
  • Tubular/Conical: More cylindrical in shape, with a narrower base.
  • Close Set/Minimal Gap: Breasts sit closely together on the chest.
  • Swooping/Ski Slope: Breasts with a sloping upper curve and fuller lower half.

Ultimately, the most important thing is how you feel about your breast shape—not how it compares to anyone else’s.

What Is a “Normal” Breast Shape?

If there’s one thing we’d like you to take away from this blog post it’s that there is no such thing as a “normal” or “perfect breasts”. Every woman’s breasts are different, influenced by factors such as genetics, age, weight, and hormone levels. What feels natural and comfortable at one stage of your life might evolve, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s all part of the journey, and if changes in your breast shape have left you feeling less confident, there are solutions available.

What Can Influence Breast Shape?

Breast shape and size are primarily determined by genetics, but several other factors can play a role, including:

  • Ageing: As you age, skin loses elasticity, which can lead to sagging or a more relaxed breast shape.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: These life events often cause changes in both the size and shape of breasts.
  • Weight changes: Gaining or losing weight can affect breast fullness and firmness.
  • Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen, can influence breast tissue.

For some women, these changes are simply a natural part of life. For others, they might spark an interest in exploring breast surgery as a way to restore or enhance their shape. Whether you’re considering making a change or celebrating your current shape, the decision is yours to make.

Breast Surgery Options at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic, we offer a range of breast surgery procedures to help women achieve their desired shape. Whether you’re looking to enhance, reduce, or lift, our expert surgeons work closely with each patient to understand your goals, develop a personalised plan, and help you achieve the most natural-looking results possible. 

Here’s a look at some of the options available:

Breast Enlargement (Breast Augmentation)

Breast enlargement can create a fuller, rounder shape or correct asymmetry using either implants or fat transfer. Silicone or saline implants are placed beneath the breast tissue or chest muscles, while breast fat transfer involves removing fat from other areas of your body and injecting it into your breasts. This procedure is ideal for women looking to increase their bust size or achieve a more balanced figure.

breast augmentation before and after photos

breast enlargement before after photos UK images

Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)

A breast uplift restores a more youthful shape to sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Your surgeon will reshape the breast tissue, remove extra skin, and reposition the nipple and areola. This procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of drooping breasts, giving a firmer, more lifted silhouette.

Breast Uplift with implants before and after photo
Breast Uplift with Implants

Breast Uplift Mastopexy results before after photo

Breast Reduction

For women with larger breasts, reduction surgery helps create a more proportionate figure while alleviating physical discomfort like back and neck pain caused by excess breast weight. The procedure removes excess breast tissue and skin, reshapes the remaining breast, and repositions the nipple. 

Breast Reduction before and after results photos

Breast reduction surgery results before after photo

Breast Asymmetry Correction

If one breast is noticeably larger or shaped differently, breast asymmetry correction surgery can bring balance and symmetry. This may involve enlarging the smaller breast, reducing the larger one, or combining techniques to achieve a harmonious result, leaving your silhouette balanced and even.

breast asymmetry surgery before after photos results
Unilateral Uplift, Unilateral Reduction & Breast Augmentation

Tuberous Breast Correction:

Tubular or conical breasts can be reshaped through surgery to create a more natural, rounded appearance. This procedure often includes tissue expansion, implant placement, and nipple repositioning to address the unique challenges of tuberous breasts and achieve a more conventional breast shape.

tuberous breast correction before after photo results
Breast Uplift

Why Choose The Private Clinic for Breast Surgery?

  • Decades of Expertise: With over 40 years of experience, we’re a trusted leader in breast surgery, offering a wide range of procedures with exceptional results.
  • Personalised Care: We provide tailored treatment plans and dedicated aftercare, ensuring your unique needs and expectations are fully met.
  • Leading Surgeons: Our highly skilled surgeons are among the UK’s top experts in breast surgery, delivering natural-looking and confident results.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our London hospital offer the latest technology, ensuring safe, effective treatments with minimal downtime in a welcoming environment.
  • Comprehensive Support: We provide 24/7 access to our nursing team, offering continuous support throughout your recovery with post-op appointments as needed.
  • Flexible Financing Options: We offer a range of payment options, including 0% finance, making breast surgery more accessible and affordable for you.

Whether you’re considering a subtle change or a more significant transformation, the right breast surgery can help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. At the end of the day, the most beautiful breasts are the ones you feel great about—no filter required. 

If you’re interested in learning more or discussing your options, our team of expert surgeons is here to help you explore what’s possible. Call us on 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form to discuss your breast surgery options.