One of the most common reasons, if not the most common reason for breast augmentation re-operations is size change. When I see patients in my office who have already had augmentation it is always the same statement, or a similar variation. “I wanted a C, the doctor promised me a C, and this is not a C.” Why the confusion and what can we do about it? Luckily there is a new imaging device which can help solve the problem.
First the fundamental problem. Implants don’t come in cup size. They come in volume measurements such as 300 cc (cubic centimeters)
As plastic surgeons move to more silicone implants this is going to become and even bigger problem. One of the advantages of saline implants is the ability to add or subtract volume once the implant is in place. With silicone this is not an option. For the most part, once that implant is in, it is in. Now more than ever it’s critical to get the size right. I won’t even discuss breast asymmetry which adds even more complexity.
To address this problem , Axis Three, a California based technology company has just released a new three dimensional breast imaging device. The patient stands in front of a camera which takes a picture. In 2 minutes a 3-D image is on the computer screen in front of the doctor and patient. Pinpoint measurements are made and exact volumes can be calculated. You want a 300 cc implant. Voila here’s what it will look like. With a click of a button, volumes can be added so both patient and doctor agree on a size. Want to see what it looks like from the side or from the top. No problem. Rotate the image any way you want. I’m not sure who wants to look from the bottom up but why argue with progress. Right now the machine is in beta testing and it has just been released for sale by the company. If you are thinking about augmentation and you want the right size, this device is a must.
