Breast Augmentation simulator: Is the 3D imaging accurate compared to the result most patients receive?

I have found it to be very accurate. It has been part of my practice for the last 18 months and is a very useful communication tool. It certainly measures the volume very accurately and can give you a very good prediction of the size that you will be. If you already have a significant volume of breast tissue or need an uplift, I think it is a little less accurate but, as a method of reassuring patients about implant size, I have found it very useful. 

I have only recently incorporated Vectra for 3D imaging, but am finding it to be a tremendous communication tool.     I have also, so far, found it to be quite accurate in at least choosing an implant size.     Patients generally have found the final result looks better than the prediction.     If nothing else, it is very helpful in communicating to the surgeon what you envision.      

The tools used to help patients what to expect after surgery are estimations and are not precise depictions of the outcomes.

Hi.  Computer imaging is pretty good at giving you a 3D reconstruction of what you look like now.  Unfortunately, it is currently only about 85-90% accurate at predicting how you will look with implants.  So take its "guess" with a grain of salt!Mentor's Volume Sizing System is also very helpful to view the predicted shape.

Computers cannot accurately asses how the skin and soft tissue will stretch after implantation. The computer will not correct or assist in the actual surgical procedure. All plastic surgeons or other physicians can purchase the program and they are immediately considered an expert.When considering size, use the following;Choice of Material - silicone feels more natural than saline implants. Silicone also looks more natural when walking or running in a bathing suit. However, for larger breasted woman who want a little oomph, the material type is not as important.Choice of Shape- tear drop versus round implants. For the average woman, the round implants are ideal. Why? Round implants will sag over time so that they resemble the tear drop (ideal shape). However, if the implants rotate a little, nothing bad occurs. In contrast, the tear drop shape implants can rotate and then they will look asymmetrical. In order to avoid this rotation, the implants have a textured coating that minimizes rotation but does not eliminate it. Also, the texture coat can result in an unnatural pleat in the implant when moving in certain directions. My bet is that round will be the way to go for a long time.Considerations for Size - implants come in different shapes and sizes. The three most common shapes are low, medium and high profile. This means that for a low profile implant - the implants are wider and less projecting than the other shapes for any particular volume. High profile implants are more projecting and narrower than the other shapes for a particular volume. The middle profile is somewhere in between. As for the look, low profile is more conservative while the high profile is more aggressive.When considering the proper implant for anyone, I consider the chest wall width, the shape of the breast and the patients desired result and final cup size. For instance, a thin woman may need a narrower implant to achieve a desired volume or projection. In contrast, a wider chested woman may need a low profile implant so that the implant do not appear too far apart. Another consideration is breast shape - a flat, wide breast would benefit from a more projecting implant while a narrower, more projecting breast (Tuberous breasts) may benefit from a wider implant.As for volume, the rice test performed at home, as well as trying on sizers in the doctors office can help to determine the desired overall volume. Keep in mind when performing the rice test, that whatever size you like, then add another 10% in volume. Also, the type of clothing you wear will determine how the augmentation looks. For instance, a large breast in a sweater will look too big in a bikini and conversely a perfect size in a bathing suit will look small in a sweater.In the end, find a board certified plastic surgeon. If you would like more information, please read my book " Cosmetic Breast Surgery - A Complete Guide From A to Double D".

Thanks for the question. I have found computer imaging to be a useful addition to the communication tools that we already use when it comes to preoperative communication of patients' goals. This preoperative communication is one of the important keys to success when it comes to breast augmentation surgery. Although helpful,  the technology is not necessarily perfect when it comes to predicting what size/profile of breast implants will best achieve a patient's goals. Again, in my opinion it is best use as a communication tool only and not as a “guarantee” of outcomes to be expected. You may find the attached link, describing this technology, helpful to you.

I find that the results are always better in real life.  I think it would be best to try on different size implants with a tight fitting sports bra to see what you may look like.  Please see a board certified PS who can examine you and go over your options.

The 3D Vectra Imaging system gives patients a idea of what to expect, but is not 100% accurate. Sometimes the program distorts the image slightly if the patients has droopy, tubular or constricted breasts. From my experience using the program the less tissue the patient has the more accurate the simulation image is when compared to the actual result. If your plastic surgeons office has sample implants available you can hold the recommended implant/implants up your breast to get a idea of what your results will be.