Three-Dimensional Imaging for Breast Augmentation: Is This Technology Providing Accurate Simulations?

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. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.