The Three-Dimensional Techniques in the Objective Measurement of Breast Aesthetics

Breast symmetry, size, and shape are key components of aesthetic outcomes of augmentation mammoplasty, reduction, and reconstruction. Many have claimed that the 3D scanning technique, which measures breast volumes directly and assesses the asymmetry of the chest and breast on a 3D model, is superior to anthropometric measuring in accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. The documented methods of 3D body surface imaging include laser scanning, stereo photography and so on. To achieve ideal aesthetic results, individualized surgery planning based on a reliable virtual model of the prospective surgery outcome could be of considerable value in decision making and assisting in guidance for the surgery procedure. Additionally, the 3D scanning technique is applicable in postoperative monitoring of morphological change, notably, in a dynamic way. Another distinguishing feature is that it enables virtual division of breast volume, thus surgeons could virtually divide the breast volumes into portions using 3D scanning during the programming and evaluation of surgery plans. However, because 3D surface scanning cannot look through the breast substances and reach the interspace between the chest and posterior border of the breast/dorsal limit of the breast, the inframammary fold in larger breasts cannot be correctly imaged, leaving the preoperative inframammary fold reference lacking. Therefore, 3D scanning is thought to be inaccurate in large and/or ptotic breasts. Another fact that prevents 3D scanning from wide application is its high cost and lack of access.

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