Abstract
Background: For patients considering breast augmentation, 3-dimensional (3D) imaging provides a preoperative simulation of the postoperative result. However, the clinical accuracy of these simulations has not been assessed. Objective: The authors compared preoperative simulations with postoperative results of breast augmentation to permit more informed decisions about breast augmentation. Methods: To determine differences between simulations and actual results, volumetric and contour analyses were performed for patients who underwent 3D imaging both preoperatively and 3 months after breast augmentation. All patients received round smooth silicone implants or anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel implants; the mean volume was 295 cc. Results: Twenty patients (40 breasts) underwent 3D imaging both pre- and postoperatively. There were no procedural complications or revisions. The mean difference between preoperative simulation and postoperative breast volume was 27.2 cc (range, 1.4-99.5 cc), representing a 9.2% mean difference in volume and an accuracy of 90.8%. The mean absolute difference (root mean square) of all surface points along the breast in aggregate was 4.0 mm (range, 1.8-8.3 mm). No specific location along the surface contour of the breast could be identified as having the greatest differences. Conclusions: The preoperative simulation provided by 3D imaging is >90% accurate in predicting postoperative breast volume. The mean absolute differential for surface contour in this study was 4 mm, representing 98.4% accuracy based on average surface area.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 857-875 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Aesthetic surgery journal |
Volume | 34 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2014 |
Keywords
- 3D imaging
- Vectra
- accuracy
- breast augmentation
- volumetric measurement
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery