title: Computer simulation of breast reduction surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Plastic surgery of the breast, particularly breast reduction, is considered difficult. It can become a challenge for a less experienced surgeon to understand exactly what to do when facing a particular type of breast and how to avoid unsatisfactory results.
  
  
  METHODS
  The goal of this study was to create a computer model of the breast that provides a basis for the simulation of breast surgery, particularly breast reduction. The reconstruction of elastic parameters is based on observations of the breast with the patient in different positions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It is shown that several measurements with the patient in different positions allow one to choose the parameters of the model and determine the elastic coefficients of the breast and the skin. The geometry of the breast before and after surgery is simulated. A qualitative study of the incision parameters' influence on the final geometry of the breast is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The developed methodology and software allow one to estimate the form of the breast after the surgery by knowing its form before surgery and taking into consideration the parameters of incision applied by the surgeon at the time of surgery. The described approach can be used for the qualitative and quantitative study of breast reduction surgery with a satisfactory result.
  
  
  METHODS
  This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors                      http://www.springer.com/00266                                        .
authors.affiliation: Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho EPE - Portugal, Rua Conceição Fernandes, 4434-502, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. acardoso@chvng.min-saude.pt
authors.forename: Augusta
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cardoso
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coelho
authors.forename: Horácio
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zenha
authors.forename: Vera
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sá
authors.forename: Georgi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Smirnov
authors.forename: Horácio
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Costa
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*