title: Three-Dimensional Imaging for Breast Augmentation: Is This Technology Providing Accurate Simulations?
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.
  
  
  METHODS
  3.
authors: Dr Roostaeian is an assistant clinical instructor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of California-Los Angeles.
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Roostaeian
authors: Dr Adams is an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas wpajrmd@dr-adams.com.
authors: William P
authors: WP
authors: Adams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019928:Breast Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D018427:Breast Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008875:Middle Aged; D066230:Patient-Specific Modeling; D010781:Photography; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D020034:Silicone Gels; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D020034:Silicone Gels
keywords: 3D imaging; Vectra; accuracy; breast augmentation; volumetric measurement