Application of three-dimensional scanning technology in evaluating breast symmetry in reduction mammaplasty / 中华医学美学美容杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the aesthetic results of bilateral breast symmetry after reduction mammaplasty, we proposed a handheld 3D scanner-based evaluation method to achieve the desired aesthetic effects.Methods:From June 2018 to June 2019, a total of 56 female patients with an average age of 34 years (18 to 56 years) requested for bilateral breast reduction in the Department of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Three-dimensional scans were performed intraoperatively in 27 cases in study group, and symmetry adjustments were made during breast contouring based on the analysis results; in the control group, a total of 29 patients did not undergo three-dimensional scans intraoperatively. Three-dimensional scans were obtained from both groups 3 months after surgery to objectively assess breast symmetry. Six third-party physicians scored the two groups based on anonymous photographs of the patients in 5 dimensions of breast symmetry to assess the symmetry of the pre- and post-operative bilateral breasts.Results:The difference in breast volume in the study group was significantly smaller bilaterally than in the control group [35.26 (20.01, 55.61) vs 110.02 (43.52, 186.30) cm 3,U=221.00, P=0.001]. The results reported by the evaluators showed that all five aspects of breast symmetry measured by breast reduction were significantly improved in the study group compared to the preoperative period ( P<0.001) and were all statistically superior to the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Intraoperative three-dimensional scanning technology presents a dependable method to facilitate in optimizing bilateral breast symmetry, which in turn provides an opportunity to enhance the aesthetic outcome after reduction mammoplasty.