Portsmouth, NH - Breast augmentation is the most common of plastic surgery procedures. Patients want a natural looking, attractive results. It is very important for the patient and the doctor to plan carefully together so that the patient will be very happy. The doctor and the patient need to consider the patient’s size and shape preferences and how those preferences will look on her body frame. This planning stage involves extensive communication between surgeon and patient. New computerized imaging technology is used to show the patient what her breast augmentation procedure intends to accomplish in terms of size and shape. But, very few studies have been conducted on how close the simulation comes to the real outcome and how the patients see the accuracy and usefulness of the simulation.
One study, called “Three-Dimensional Simulated Images in Breast Augmentation Surgery: An Investigation of Patients’ Satisfaction and the Correlation Between Prediction and Actual Outcome” was published in the October, 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This study involved a total of 202 patients who had primary breast augmentation at a surgery center in Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to surgery, patients had a consultation in which a three dimensional imager was used to help the patient see what the results of varying sizes and shape choices would look like on their body. Patients were told that the simulation was not able to match precisely the outcome of their breast augmentation surgery but would give a reasonable good idea of what their breast would look like. They were also told that the imager will help them predict if their choice of size or shapes would look too high or wide or too small or too large for their body form. Normal study controls were in place to prevent any outcome of bias, as is normal in observational studies.
In brief, the results of the study showed that an independent panel graded the overall similarity of the three dimensional simulation to the actual breasts. It further found that 86% of patients felt that the simulated image was “very accurate” in predicting the actual results of their breasts. Eleven percent felt that it was “rather” accurate. The study concluded that patients prefer a surgery center that offers three dimensional imager technology. Patients felt that the three dimensional simulations were very accurate and helped them a great deal in choosing the right implant for their body.
An additional article, “Clinical Accuracy and Reproducibility of Portrait 3-D Surgical Simulation Platform in Breast Augmentation” published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, January, 2013, also reaffirmed the accuracy of pre-operative planning with the use of Portrait 3-D surgical simulation platform.
Dr. Lawrence Gray of Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center stated that both he and Dr. Brannon Claytor, who have been using a three dimensional simulator for 5 years have observed that their patients have reported similar experiences. Patients have told both Dr. Gray and Dr. Claytor that the three dimensional simulator was very helpful in their decision making with regard to breast size and shape for their body. They liked seeing the different sizes on their body so they could adjust their choices, helping them make a more accurate decision. Dr. Gray also stated that it helped patients decide if they needed a breast lift or mastopexy at the same time as their augmentation procedure. Dr. Gray also believes that the three dimensional imager help reduce a patient’s anxiety about the outcome and helps the patient make the choices with an increased level of confidence. Dr. Claytor adds, “Three dimensional imagers can be helpful to patients in evaluating their options for using the new shaped implants which we can simulate, as well.” Visit our website at http://www.atlanticplasticsurg.com to read more about laser tattoo removal or for more information, call Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center at 1-800-633-6860.
About Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center:
Atlantic Plastic Surgery Center is the practice of New Hampshire plastic surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Gray, since 1985. Dr. Gray is nationally and internationally recognized as the inventor of the scarless breast reduction, a revolutionary procedure that eliminates scars associated with the older, traditional method of breast reduction. Dr. Gray has taught at educational conferences for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and is the only member of the International Society of Plastic Surgeons from New Hampshire. Dr. Mark Ballentyne is a highly skilled physician who has been Director of Medical Aesthetics at the Skin Wellness Center since 2003. Dr. Ballentyne is board-certified by the American Academy of Family Practice Physicians, is licensed to practice in New Hampshire and will be fully certified by the Board of Aesthetic Medicine in September 2011. He has established a strong reputation for his talent in administering dermal fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic and Dysport injections, and Fraxel laser treatments. He is a national trainer for Allergan. Dr. Brannon Claytor is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as in hand surgery. Dr. Claytor is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, offering patients a high level of skill, outstanding training and commitment to excellence in cosmetic, reconstructive and hand surgery. He completed an additional year of training in breast microsurgery, oncologic reconstruction and hand microsurgery at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and was on the teaching faculty of the Lahey Clinic Medical Center. For more details visit us at: http://www.atlanticplasticsurg.com.