Photographs for anthropometric measurements of the breast region. Are there limitations?

PURPOSE To determine the limitations of the photographs used to obtain the anthropometric measurements of the breast region. METHODS Five women, between the ages of 18 to 60 years, were evaluated. Photographs of the frontal and left and right profile views of their breasts were taken. Based on the current literature, the most commonly used anthropometric and anatomic landmarks for breast measurement were marked in their different positions. The different points were used to evaluate if the direct anthropometry was possible in a standardized way and determine how the points and the positions can to be used in any breast measurements. RESULTS There were some limitations to the use of defining points of the breast fold, as well as of its lower portion and lateral extension positions in both profiles. CONCLUSION The defining points of the breast fold and the profile photographs have some limitations and we suggested how the points and positions can be used for breasts measurements.