title: Breast volumetric analysis for aesthetic planning in breast reconstruction: a literature review of techniques.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Accurate volumetric analysis is an essential component of preoperative planning in both reconstructive and aesthetic breast procedures towards achieving symmetrization and patient-satisfactory outcome. Numerous comparative studies and reviews of individual techniques have been reported. However, a unifying review of all techniques comparing their accuracy, reliability, and practicality has been lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  A review of the published English literature dating from 1950 to 2015 using databases, such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE, was undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Since Bouman's first description of water displacement method, a range of volumetric assessment techniques have been described: thermoplastic casting, direct anthropomorphic measurement, two-dimensional (2D) imaging, and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, most have been unreliable, difficult to execute and demonstrate limited practicability. Introduction of 3D surface imaging has revolutionized the field due to its ease of use, fast speed, accuracy, and reliability. However, its widespread use has been limited by its high cost and lack of high level of evidence. Recent developments have unveiled the first web-based 3D surface imaging program, 4D imaging, and 3D printing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite its importance, an accurate, reliable, and simple breast volumetric analysis tool has been elusive until the introduction of 3D surface imaging technology. However, its high cost has limited its wide usage. Novel adjunct technologies, such as web-based 3D surface imaging program, 4D imaging, and 3D printing, appear promising.
authors.affiliation: 1 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia ; 2 Department of Surgery, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.affiliation: 1 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia ; 2 Department of Surgery, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: Warren Matthew
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Rozen
authors.affiliation: 1 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia ; 2 Department of Surgery, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Spychal
authors.affiliation: 1 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia ; 2 Department of Surgery, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hunter-Smith
keywords: 3D printing; 3D surface imaging; 4D imaging; Breast; anthropomorphic; computed tomography (CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); mammography; thermoplastic casting; two-dimensional photography (2D photography); ultrasonography; volumetric analysis; water displacement