Why Men Love Breasts

By Kai Colvin - Senior Medical Research Editor | October 22nd, 2012

The bottom line—men love breasts.

The question is why do men love breasts so much? While trying to answer this very question, the imagination may run rampant for some, however, Larry Young, professor of psychiatry at Emory University, took a scientific approach.

Professor Young, who studies the neurological basis of complex social behaviors, believes human progression ties together the ancient neural circuit that initially developed in breastfeeding to strengthen the connection between a mother and her baby.

This ancient theory can be simulated in brain circuitry to strengthen the bond between couples as well.

As a woman's nipples are stimulated during breast-feeding, the neurochemical oxytocin, consumes her brainwaves, in turn helping her to concentrate primarily on the affection of the baby.

Research over the past few years indicates that in humans, this structure isn't reticent solely by infants.

Studies show that just as nipple stimulation heightens sexual arousal for most women; it also initiates the same provocation in the vaginal and clitoral regions.

Professor Young states, “When a sexual partner touches, massages or nibbles a woman's breasts, this triggers the release of oxytocin in the woman's brain, just like what happens when a baby nurses. But in this context, the oxytocin focuses the woman's attention on her sexual partner, strengthening her desire to bond with this person.”

Could this be the reason more and more women are turning to plastic surgery for breast implants? Perhaps, some do it to boost their self-confidence, others to appeal to a man’s desire, while certain women simply see their breasts as a fashion accessory.

Aside from liposuction, one of the top cosmetic surgeries performed on women is breast augmentation.

Most frequently, breast implants are implicated to enlarge the size of a woman's breasts while fashioning a more youthful contour. Breast augmentation can also give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, better-proportioned appearance through the placement of implants.

There are two FDA recognized breast implant fillers—saline and silicone. Both fillers have been approved to be safe fillers.

Today, women are also electing to undergo a breast lift. As a woman’s breasts often change over time due to loss of skin elasticity, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding, women can have a breast lift to raise or firm them, resulting in a more empowering shape.

As women seek plastic surgery for their own reasoning, Professor Young indicates that a male’s attraction to breasts "is a brain organization effect that occurs in straight males when they go through puberty." He further added, "Evolution has selected for this brain organization in men that makes them attracted to the breasts in a sexual context, because the outcome is that it activates the female bonding circuit, making women feel more bonded with him. It's a behavior that males have evolved in order to stimulate the female's maternal bonding circuitry."

Speaking on the quintessence of sexuality, breasts can be seen as fascination, to some a mystery, or to others simply a number.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicates that in 2011 alone, ASAPS surgeons performed 316,848 breast augmentation procedures.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are looking for enhancement, not perfection. If you’re physically fit and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate for breast augmentation.

To learn more about plastic surgery, find a plastic surgery clinic in your area.