Measuring volumetric change after augmentation mammaplasty using a three-dimensional scanning technique: an innovative method

Measurement of volumetric change after augmentation mammaplasty is of great significance to plastic surgeons. This study aimed to introduce a new method using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique to measure volumetric change after augmentation mammaplasty.

Preoperative 3D scans of 10 breasts were included in the study. A simulated postoperative breast scan was constructed using software. The true value of volumetric change was calculated. Volumetric change was measured and repeated 10 times by the traditional method and the new method. One investigator used the traditional method, and two investigators used the new method. The difference from the true value between the two methods and the intraclass coefficient (ICC) for each method was evaluated. Comparison of agreement with the true value and comparison of agreement using the new method between the two investigators were made using a Bland-Altman analysis.

The mean breast volumetric change was 256.1 ± 61.1 ml for the new method, 281.9 ± 73.7 ml for the traditional method, and 256.0 ± 61.0 ml for the true value. The difference from the true value for the traditional method was significantly greater than for the new method. The ICC was 0.9999 for the new method and 0.993 for the traditional method. Bland-Altman analysis showed a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of -40.9 to 92.7 ml for the traditional method and -0.9 to 1.2 ml for the new method. Comparison of agreement between investigators 1 and 2 showed a 95 % CI of -0.9 to 1.0 ml. The limits of agreement were ±1.0 ml.

The proposed new method can provide excellent accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility in measuring volumetric change after augmentation mammaplasty using a 3D scanning technique.

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