Do your breasts actually come out looking like the 3D virtual image?

For my patients for breast augmentation, we have been using the 3D virtual imaging system for 6 years. This image renders a 3D view that can allow patients to see what they might look like after breast augmentation surgery. The patient can try on different sizes. We have found that while it is not perfect it is pretty close but this also depends mostly on the preop image. If there are shadows under the breast or saggy breast skin then the 3D device doesn't always know what to do with that. So the initial image can look distorted before you even "try" on implants. So we educate patients but the majority of patients can visualize things well. We have even recently started to do this with breast reduction surgeries.

Dear LeighH,
3D virtual imaging can be a good tool, but generally speaking, it doesn't give great results. Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. 
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello and thank you for your question.  3D imaging should never take the place of evaluating real results.  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.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. 
Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Thank you for sharing your question.  3D imaging can only approximate what the final result will be but can be used to give patients an idea as to their outcome.  Other options include rice sizers, silicone gel sizers, etc.  Best to discuss your concerns with your selected surgeon so that you can understand what can be changed with surgery and what can not.  Hope this helps.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. 
It is difficult to answer this specifically without photos, however, the 3D imaging system will include the asymmetries between your breasts and topical irregularities. The image is not 100% accurate but it can be fairly close in many patients. Discuss this with your surgeon to see why the image does not meet your expected goal.
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to review your options. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of former patients with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the implants have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author                            
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

Hi LeighH,
The short answer is that no, the images do not always look like your final results. They only simulate what your results may look like to help you get a better idea of what to expect. The best way of telling what you'll look like it to discuss it with your surgeon as well as look for before/after photos of patients who have your body frame and size. Blessings on your journey!

No, the photo you see is not exactly what you will achieve with surgery. Sometimes it is fairly close, and sometimes it is not. You can also try on sizes to give you an ides of the weight and volume in your clothes.

I offer 3D imaging to all my patients interested in breast surgery. My patients and I find it to be a very useful tool. Generally, I find the results from surgery to be better than the image presented.  I have an album of real patients that I use to compliment the 3D imaging.

I was an early adopter of the Vectra system back in 2008. It’s not a good predictor of outcome. This comes with the intuition developed over years of clinical experience, careful measurements, and soft tissue evaluation. It is a good visualization tool as part of a surgeons armamentarium for decision-making but is in no way a substitute for clinical intuition.  I know longer use it if that tells you anything.  It’s become more of a marketing tool these days.