Are breasts getting bigger?

June 8, 2012

Are breasts getting bigger?
Are breasts getting bigger?

The author of a new book about breasts says that the average breast size is getting bigger. Florence Williams, who wrote "Breasts: A Natural and Unnatural History," reports that the average cup size is now a C and that many lingerie stores routinely carry KK-sized bras.

According to ABC News, Williams decided to start extensively researching breasts after she volunteered for a breast milk study while nursing her daughter and discovered her milk contained toxic contaminants.

"I realized there was so much about breasts people don't know," she told the news provider.

One thing that can be agreed upon is that both men and women are often obsessed with breast size. This obsession has its roots in history, according to the author. Williams reports that substances including glass balls, ivory, wood chips, peanut oil, ox cartilage and paraffin were used in primitive breast implants starting in the early 1900s.

Today, there are two types of breast implants regularly used - silicone gel and saline - and breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most commonly-performed cosmetic surgical procedures. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 316,000 women underwent the procedure in 2011.

Concerns over breastfeeding are common among women with or without breast implants. Health Day reports that only a third of women are able to successfully carry out 3 months or more of breast-feeding. Women with breast implants are able to breast feed, but a study last year indicated that a large percentage of the women who had trouble breast-feeding thought that it would cause their breasts to sag. While pregnancy does cause sagging, breast-feeding does not contribute to that condition.

Women who have concerns with oversized breasts often consider breast reduction surgery. Large breasts can cause back, neck and shoulder pain, restricted movement, skin irritation and self-consciousness. A board-certified plastic surgeon could help determine if you need a breast reduction or any other type of breast surgery.  


The mission of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) includes medical education, public education and patient advocacy. Plastic Surgery News Briefs are summaries of current stories found through various news and magazine outlets that relate to or mention plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. The views expressed in these news articles do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ASAPS, but are merely published as an educational service to our members and the general public. For additional information on these subjects and other plastic surgery related topics, please go to www.surgery.org

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About ASAPS
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body.  ASAPS is comprised of over 2,600 Plastic Surgeons; active members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International active members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements.

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