Has anyone used the Crisalix simulation? It doesn't seem accurate. (Photo)

Thank you for your questions. The bottom line is that any simulation is just that, a simulation. It is only meant to be a guess at what things will look like once you are done. There is nothing that can replace the experience and expertise of your surgeon in helping you choose an implant to meet your goals. I would rely more on your surgeon's experience and recommendations than on any computer.Best of luck! 

At the end of the day, a simulation is just that...a simulation. There is no guarantee of result. They are meant to be a tool (one of many) to assist the patient in making a decision.In my experience, I have found these sorts of imaging programs to be helpful giving a generalized idea of size and shape. They cannot, however, reproduce reality. When comparing pre-op sims to post op results, I have found them to be not wholly inaccurate but far from predictive.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

It has been my  experience  that   computer morphing for breasts is not accurate.  It does not take into account the inherent elastic properties which are different in every person and cannot be measured. That's why for some it may work and some not. I've had patients who have complained to me of the accuracy of these devices used in other doctors offices so much so that I still have never invested in it. Even the doctors who believe in it and use it all the time could never guarantee that that is what you're going to look like. That alone should tell you something.Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Yes, the Crisalix simulation tends to make your results only slightly bigger.  I have found a more accurate result of the future final size are sizers.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

I do not use Crisalix, I use Vectra. The images you show look relatively accurate. I have found that the “real” implants look bigger after surgery than they do in imaging. Remember these are 2D pictures of a 3D result. Bra sizing with implants can also be unreliable because it only shows how an implant will fill a bra which is not necessarily how it will fill your tissues. Your surgeon should take into account measurements of your chest and use that with your preferences on the imaging and/or bra sizing to determine which implant fits with your anatomy in order to give you a long lasting result.

I use Crisalix and I have to say I think it is pretty accurate, and possibly more accurate than the sizing kits, when used properly. The issue with sizing with an implant is this: the sizer, whether an anatomic system like Mentor offers or just putting in an implant into the bra and looking at the profile, is not necessarily sitting in the bra the way a real implant will respond to gravity and loose skin, as might be the case for someone with laterally splayed breasts like your simulation shows. It's easy for a surgeon and coordinator to tell you "oh it will look better in real life" to sell you surgery but you need to have realistic expectations of what can be done with implants, especially without a lift, when you have the kind of breast shape this simulation shows. In truth, it takes a combo of the simulation, sizing, photos and trust in your surgeon to set expectations properly after in-person consultation in the office. 

The Crisalix system is a great support tool to help in determining what implant to select in primary breast augmentation.  I caution my clients that it is a high resolution graphic illustration of what the result may look like.  In our practice, we combine Crisalix with silicone sizers to help determine the best size and shape implant.  Ultimately, it is the experience of the surgeon as well as effective communication that will give the best results.  Crisalix helps guide the discussions and provide an approximation of results.

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.

It is difficult to determine the accuracy of a system that extrapolates 2 dimensional images into 3 dimensional ones. I must say the algorithm is advanced an impressive. There is no replacement for old school implant fitting to have an idea of how it will feel or fit on you. I must say that the only way to have the most accurate behavior of an implant in your body, is surgery. Computers may try to emulate soft tissue behavior, but the variables are so many, that accuracy will always be compromise.
Finally, make sure that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Wishing you the best in your journey

Thank you for the question.
There are several steps taken to select a specific size/profile breast implant for a specific patient.  Generally speaking, although useful as rough guidelines and as communication tools, all the modalities currently used to predict what breast implant size/profile will best achieve a patient's goals with breast augmentation are NOT very accurate, in my opinion. The use of computer imaging, sizers placed beneath a patient's bra, goal pictures, computer imaging technology… are all useful, but not necessarily as accurate as one would hope.
In my opinion, nothing will replace careful verbal and visual aid assisted preoperative communication with your plastic surgeon, preferably in front of a full-length mirror along with the use of as many "communication" tools” listed above.
In my practice, I use all of the above modalities and then use intraoperative temporary sizers to help determine the best breast implant size/profile to achieve a patient's specific goals as closely as possible. For this reason, I think it is helpful to have the entire range of breast implant sizes/profiles available in the operating room.
Achieving realistic expectations prior to proceeding to the operating room is also an important part of the preoperative communication process. Patients should be aware that the results of their breast augmentation will not necessarily match exactly what they are visualizing with anyone of the above-mentioned communication tools.
 
***Given your questions and concerns, I would suggest that you schedule additional time to spend with your plastic surgeon. This additional time spent will be helpful in the communication process and in alleviating some of your anxiety.
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or  "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.