by Hammond, Dennis C.; Kim, Kuylhee; Bageris, Matthew H.;
Chaudhry, Arif
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: January 2022
- Volume 149 - Issue 1 - p 70-79
Background:
In breast augmentation, breast base diameter has been
recognized as an important variable in implant selection. However, breast
implant volume also has a tremendous impact on the final result. Previous
methods of preoperative volume determination have been limited to external
devices in a bra. Computer-based three-dimensional simulation technology now
allows the physician to effectively communicate with the patient preoperatively
regarding volume.
Methods: A cohort of 40 consecutive patients underwent
routine breast augmentation with either anatomically shaped or round implants.
Five methods of preoperative volume determination including the Crisalix
three-dimensional computer imaging system (Crisalix Virtual Aesthetics,
Lausanne, Switzerland), along with an associated virtual reality tool, were
used to assess the preoperative desires of the patients. A postoperative
questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction with each volume
determination method.
Results: Of the 40 patients, 100 percent were satisfied with
their result; however, given the opportunity, 12 percent would have chosen a
larger implant. The virtual reality tool and external sizers were shown to be
the most effective in choosing an implant. The virtual reality tool was judged
to be very helpful (62 percent), very accurate (78 percent), and important (88
percent) in helping patients choose their desired implant size.
Conclusion: Prioritizing volume as an implant selection
variable in breast augmentation results in a very high rate of patient
satisfaction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.
