The Impact of Breast Symmetry on Eye Movement and Gaze Pattern: An Eye-Tracking Investigation

Abstract

Abstract Background The objective assessment of beauty remains challenging despite ongoing research efforts. A new method of objectively determining the aesthetic appeal of body features by analyzing gaze patterns and eye movements has recently been investigated. Objectives The objective of this study was to assess, by means of objective eye-tracking technology, differences in the gaze patterns of observers presented with standardized 3-dimensional images showing different degrees of breast asymmetry. Methods A total of 83 Caucasian study participants with a mean age of 38.60 (19.8) years were presented with 5 images depicting varying degrees of breast asymmetry. In addition to the assessment of eye movements, participants were asked to rate the aesthetic appeal and the asymmetry of the breasts on a 5-point Likert scale. Results Overall, the data showed that participants’ rating of the breasts’ aesthetic appeal was inversely related to the level of asymmetry. The mean [standard deviation] time until fixation was shortest for the image depicting the greatest breast asymmetry (50 cc) at 0.77 [0.7] seconds (P < 0.001). In addition, the mammary region was also viewed longest in this image at 3.76 [0.5] seconds (P < 0.001). A volume difference of 35 cc between breasts deflected the observers’ gaze significantly toward the larger of the asymmetric breasts (P < 0.001). Conclusions Surgeons should focus on achieving symmetric breast volume (ie, differences <35 cc between breasts) to avoid noticeable asymmetry with regard to breast size.