Breast measurement using Adobe Photoshop®

Abstract

With the globalization and improvement of digital media and, consequently, the increasing use of digital photography, it is necessary to create reliable measurement methods. In clinical practice, direct measurement using tape measure, ruler, and compass, is most commonly used. However, there are intrinsic (body contour) and extrinsic (patient collaboration or respiratory movements) factors that may influence the data obtained. Photography and graphics software can be an accurate, comfortable, and reproducible alternative to direct measurement. The objective is to demonstrate how to perform breast measurement using Adobe Photoshop software. Methods: Participants were described the position to assume. Imaging capturing techniques and software calibration were performed in order to obtain the final breast measurement. Markers were placed on the breast and arms of 40 women volunteers aged 18 to 60 years using an anterior view. The union of these markers in each hemibody resulted in seven linear segments, one angle and one transverse segment common to both hemibodies. These photographs were evaluated as a RAW file, by 3 evaluators, assisted by Adobe Photoshop CS6 ® software. Results: Photoshop CS6 ® proved effective in the breast measurement using RAW files. Conclusion: Photoshop ® showed precision and effectiveness for breast measurement.