New Aspects of Breast Volume Measurement Using 3-Dimensional Surface Imaging

Abstract

Precise and objective calculation of breast volume is helpful to evaluate the aesthetic result of breast surgery, but traditional methods are unsatisfactory. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning of the body surface allows reproducible and objective assessment of the complex breast region but requires further investigation before clinical application. The main goal of this study was to investigate the precision and accuracy of breast volume measurement using 3D body scanning. Five independent observers standardized the 3D scanning method using 2 dummy models (n = 200) and examined its applicability with 6 test subjects and 10 clinical patients (n = 2220). Breast volume measurements obtained with the 3D-scanner technology were compared with reference measurements obtained from test subjects through nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. The mean deviation of the breast volume measurements of 1 test subject by all observers, expressed as percentage of volume, was 2.86 +/- 0.98, significantly higher than the deviation for the dummy models, 1.65 +/- 0.42 (P < 0.001). With respect to all clinical patients, the mean measurement precision obtained preoperatively was less precise than that obtained postoperatively (3.31 +/- 1.02 versus 1.66 +/- 0.49, respectively). Interobserver differences in measurement precision were not statistically significant. The mean breast volumes obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (441.42 +/- 137.05 mL) and 3D scanning (452.51 +/- 141.88 mL) significantly correlated (r = 0.995, P < 0.001). Breast volume measurement with 3D surface imaging represents a sufficiently precise and accurate method to guarantee objective and exact recording.

Breast Volume estimation by Anthropometry

“…Edsander-Nord in their study concluded that using thermoplastic cast seems to be sufficiently accurate to measure breast volume [6] . Kovacs et al in 2007 calculated breast volume using MRI showed the best agreement with 3D scanning measurement (r=0.990), followed by anthropomorphic measurement (r=0.947) and thermoplastic castings (r=0.727) [7] . Grossman and…”

Evaluation of Precision and Accuracy Assessment of Different 3-D Surface Imaging Systems for Biomedical Purposes

“…By applying a standardized 3-D scanning protocol, the influence of human artefacts can be compensated and reduced [13][14][15][23][24][25][26]. 3-D imaging of the breast region for example can be obtained in a standing position on predefined markers on the ground, patients back-supported by a wall, patients holding their breath during acquisition and arms down the side crossed behind at the height of the pelvis [3,15,23,25]. In addition, Patete et al presented a methodology for active compensation of breathing motion and involuntary movements to obtain a reliable and artefact-free patient's body surface during the 3-D acquisition [27].…”

“…In the last few years, different three-dimensional (3-D) optical scanning systems have been applied in medicine to improve preoperative planning and surgical outcome research, most widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery [1][2][3][4] and cranio-maxillo-facial surgery [5][6][7].…”

Cleavage classification: categorizing a vital feminine aesthetic landmark

“…This analysis could be either a twodimensional e.g. using photographs or three-dimensional analysis [18,19] and lead to better understanding of role of preoperative and postoperative cleavage morphology in patient satisfaction.…”