An Intraoperative Measurement Method of Breast Symmetry Using Three-Dimensional Scanning Technique in Reduction...

Intraoperative symmetrical assessment plays a decisive role in the aesthetic results of reduction mammaplasty, but it depends mostly on the surgeons' experience that may be biased by individual subjective factors. This study was intended to propose an objective method based on a hand-held three-dimensional (3D) scanner to assist intraoperative symmetrical assessment, aiming to achieve better aesthetic results in reduction mammaplasty.

Sixty patients were enrolled in the study from April 2018 to January 2020. Intraoperative 3D scanning was routinely performed on 29 patients (study group) to assist symmetrical adjustments during breast shaping. 3D surface scanning data of both groups were obtained at 3 months postoperatively to objectively assess breast symmetry. Postoperative symmetry scores in five aspects, including nipple-areolar complex position, inframammary-fold height, breast size, shape, and footprint, were rated by six independent observers based on anonymized photographs to subjectively evaluate pre- and postoperative breast symmetry of the two groups.

The bilateral breast volume difference of the study group was significantly smaller than the control group (39.1 vs. 113.3 cm³, p = 0.001), as well as the difference in nipple to inframammary-fold distance (2.79 vs. 7.43 mm, p = 0.01). The observer-reported results showed that breast reduction significantly improved postoperative symmetry in all five aspects compared with preoperative symmetry in the study group (P<0.001). Furthermore, postoperative symmetrical ratings of all five aspects in the study group were statistically better than the control group (P<0.05).

Intraoperative 3D scanning provided a reliable method to assist symmetry adjustments and ensure better postoperative breast symmetry in reduction mammaplasty.

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