How reliable is breast implant Vectra imaging? (photo)

Question

How reliable are the images obtained from the 3D vectra compared to the actual results of a breast augmentation? I understand that the actual results of surgery can vary from the simulation pictures, but is it at least somewhat close? I am very petite, small frame and barely a 32A. The above photo is 375 cc, high profile, smooth round silicone and the first thing I noticed is how much larger my areolas are! Why do they look so much larger??

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is 'not bad'. It just depends whether or not you understand the limitations of the software. Exact sizing is the weak point because the machine cannot account for tissue types, age, parity and other factors. I actually use the machine to show how implants which are too large can cause problems. It is also useful for  the patient to see their native breast (no implants) from a 'distance' and recognize the asymmetries, body types, and other things that they may not see in the mirror at home. One thing about the VECTRA machine is that it is a 'time intensive' exercise and the surgeon has to spend a substantial time with the patient to demonstrate the meanings of the results. This is why, I think, many surgeons call it 'not valuable'.Hope this helps.BTW, it does not substitute for see the surgeon's own patient pictures or speaking with his/her patients.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question!  Although the vectra imaging gets very close to the actual size, nothing can guarantee exact precision.  Think of it as providing the surgeon an idea of what you are looking for, but understand that surgeons will try their best to get close, but it will never be exact. Best of luck and hope this information helps!
- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Computer imaging has been around for a while most notably for predicting results with rhinoplasty.  Computer imaging is largely used as a marketing tool and has disclaimers telling you that actual results may vary and computer imaging is not a guarantee.  So you should keep that in mind if you have computer imaging done.  Consider it to be an estimate only.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

3D imaging like centra can be helpful to get a sense of what you will look like after surgery but should not be taken as gospel. There is no way to 100% predict the results so use that image as one piece of the decision making puzzle but also consider trying on sizers so you can feel the weight of the implants as well. The areolas look bigger because they expand along with the rest of the breast.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for a breast augmentation.  Vectra has limited capabilities in breast augmentation in my opinion.  The size, profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with breasts similar to yours performed by your surgeon.   
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

3D imaging has become an effective tool for discussing options for patients and narrowing down choices. However, it is important to remember that the imaging is only a simulation. There is no substitute for the experience of a board certified plastic surgeon. It is important to spend some time discussing the results of your imaging consultation with your surgeon. As this will help clarify your goals/expectations and guide your surgeon in adjusting those expectations as needed.With regards to your specific question, areolar distension/spreading is common post augmentation. The degree to which this stretch occurs is a function of starting point and implant size.
In summary, while 3D imaging is not a fantasy, it is crucial to remember that it is not reality. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS)Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
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Hall of Fame

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.  Imaging technologies are impactful but not 100% indicative as to what a patient can expect following a breast augmentation.  Because imaging technologies, such as Vectra, can produce an image that is a rough idea but not a guaranteed result I like to spend a great deal of time with my patients in consultation and in pre-op discussing their specific concerns, cosmetic goals and how we can best achieve them.  In my practice I actually prefer to use physical implant sizers that can be placed in a sports bra.  This offering helps my patients see more accurately what a given implant volume can afford them size-wise.  I hope that this helps and I wish you my very best.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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 the rice test, 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.
 
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.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.

Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.

We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

How reliable is breast implant Vectra imaging? (photo)

Answers (9)

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