Quantitative analysis of the reconstructed breast using a 3-dimensional laser light scanner

Postoperative cosmesis of the reconstructed breast depends on the interrelation of shape, size (volume), and symmetry. In this study, reconstructed breasts were analyzed with 3-dimensional projections generated by laser light scanning. Fifty-one cases of breast reconstruction following mastectomy (16 cases of rectus abdominis flap, 15 cases of latissimus dorsi flap, and 20 cases of tissue expansion) were evaluated 6 months postoperatively. Shape, volume, and symmetry were quantitatively evaluated. Captured images of the normal breast were mirror-reversed and superimposed on images of the reconstructed breast. Differences in the generated Moire patterns were used to quantitatively compare breasts. The method was rapid, reproducible, and accurate in comparison to thermoplaster casts. It was found that rectus abdominis flaps applied following total mastectomy and latissimus dorsi flaps applied following partial mastectomy gave the best results for their relatively low degree of asymmetry. Application of tissue expansion led to greater asymmetry and poorer overall cosmesis. In conclusion, a 3-dimensional laser light scanning system makes it possible to quantitate the cosmetic outcome following breast reconstruction.