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Evaluating 3D Simulation Accuracy for Breast Augmentation Outcomes: A Volumetric and Surface Contour Analysis in Chinese Patients

  • Original Article
  • Breast Surgery
  • Published:
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

The use of three-dimensional imaging in breast augmentation with silicone implants has revolutionized the surgery planning process by providing detailed visualizations of expected post-surgical outcomes. This technology enhances the decision-making process, enabling patients to choose their implants with greater confidence and ultimately leading to higher satisfaction with the postoperative outcome.

Objective

This study aims to assess the accuracy of 3D imaging simulations using the Canfield Vectra XT 3D system in predicting breast augmentation outcomes in Chinese patients, focusing on volume, surface contour, breast anterior–posterior (AP) Projection, and breast internal angle.

Methods

Our study analyzed female patients who received breast augmentation, documenting their preoperative and three-month postoperative conditions with 3D Vectra XT system images. Exclusions were made for patients undergoing concurrent breast surgeries or those with tuberous or ptotic breasts, due to limitations of the imaging system. Implants used were either round textured or anatomically shaped cohesive silicone gel, inserted subpectorally through trans-axillary or inframammary incisions, based on personalized evaluations. A detailed comparison between preoperative simulations and actual postoperative outcomes was conducted, focusing on volume, surface contour, AP projection, and internal angle variations. Statistical significance was determined through paired T tests, P < 0.05.

Results

In the analysis of preoperative simulations for determining postoperative outcomes in breast surgery, our study involving 42 Chinese patients, a total of 84 breasts, was conducted. The results indicated a mean volumetric discrepancy of 21.5 ± 10.3 (SD) cubic centimeters between the simulated and actual postoperative outcomes, achieving an accuracy rate of 91.9%. The root mean square deviation for the breast surface geometry was calculated to be 4.5 ± 1.1 (SD) millimeters (mm), demonstrating a low variance between the predicted and observed outcomes. The investigation found no significant variations across any specific areas of the breast surface, highlighting the uniform accuracy of the simulations across the entire breast. Additionally, the mean differences in Anterior–Posterior (AP) projection and internal angle were determined to be 8.82 ± 5.64 mm and 0.48 ± 1.91 (SD) degrees, respectively. These findings collectively attest to the efficacy of preoperative simulations in accurately predicting the postoperative physical appearance of breasts, thereby providing a valuable tool for surgical planning and improving the consultation process for patients.

Conclusions

The Canfield Vectra XT 3D system has proven to be remarkably accurate in predicting the volumetric outcomes of breast augmentation surgery, with an accuracy rate exceeding 91.9%. It stands as a valuable tool for surgeons and patients alike, enhancing the preoperative planning process by offering a realistic preview of surgical results. This advancement not only facilitates a deeper understanding and setting of realistic expectations for patients but also strengthens the communication between patients and surgeons, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction rates with the surgical outcomes. It also emphasizes the significance of detailed documentation and consent processes in protecting against legal repercussions.

Level of Evidence II

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 www.springer.com/00266.

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Funding

This study was funded by Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Plastic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China

    Suliman Kh Assaaeed, Rongrong Wang & Jiaming Sun

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  1. Suliman Kh Assaaeed
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  2. Rongrong Wang
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  3. Jiaming Sun
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Suliman Kh Assaaeed or Jiaming Sun.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Informed Consent

All present participants gave their written informed consent prior to enrollment in the study.

Human and Animal Rights

All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and the research strictly adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines set by the World Medical Association, ensuring facial anonymity in any patient photographs used.

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Assaaeed, S.K., Wang, R. & Sun, J. Evaluating 3D Simulation Accuracy for Breast Augmentation Outcomes: A Volumetric and Surface Contour Analysis in Chinese Patients. Aesth Plast Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04007-z

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