Considering that so many women have “perfect breasts,” what is it that makes breast augmentation so popular? There must be something more important than perfect breast shape that draws women to undergo the surgery. [Figure 2]

Figures 2 One of the dilemmas faced by surgeons and their patients is how to augment the breasts without changing their existing shape.

[Figure 3]. I believe that it is important that both you and your surgeon should play a role in selecting the size, shape, and location of your breast implants. Therefore, I encourage you to bring photos of your desired breast size to your first consultation.

Figure 3 Breast implants enlarge the bust but sometimes magnify pre-existing breast differences. The surgeon and the patient should identify asymmetries before surgery to avoid any misunderstandings post-operatively.

It is my observation that most women care more about breast size rather than “perfect” symmetry when considering breast augmentation. In fact, the most common comment that I hear after surgery is, “I love my new breasts but I wish they were bigger.”

Many women also prefer exaggerated cleavage and upper bust fullness as seen on television shows like Baywatch. Patients who want to wear halter and bikini tops usually request lateral fullness and well-defined breast boarders. As a result, size usually trumps all other aesthetic considerations.

Desired breast size also has a regional bias. For example, the average breast implant size in Taiwan is 190ccs, in New York it is 325ccs, and in my practice, it is 392ccs.

Many women express strong feelings of physical attractiveness and confidence after their surgery. In a recent survey that I conducted, 96% of patients who underwent breast augmentation surgery “felt more confident” and 93% of patients were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their bust size after surgery.

Breast implant surgery also affects the life style of the majority of patients. “I feel more confident in social and intimate situations,” “I am more selective about my diet” and “I have increased the size of my wardrobe” are common themes observed by my patients.

For the past two years, my partner, Dr. Rob Schnarrs, and I have employed a 3D total body scanner to aid in breast augmentation planning. This technology is novel as it has the ability to measure circumferential, straight-line, and contoured measurements from the patient’s body image [Figure 4.]

Figures 4 The scanner uses white light technology to record the patient’s image for analysis and predictive modeling.

 

Figure 5 Computer software then creates a 3D body model from which accurate measurements are extracted.

The scanner has provided breakthrough technology in classifying and archiving individual breast shapes and developing accurate predictive modeling [Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure7, Figure 8, Figure 9].

Figure 6 Volumetrically and dimensionally correct virtual breast implants are constructed.

 

Figure 7 The virtual implants are located on the imaged chest wall.

 

Figure 8 The virtual implants are embedded into the torso.

 

Figure 9 The forecasted model is then view by the patient and the surgeon.

When selecting your implant size before your surgery, the scanner provides immediate, non-invasive, and precise measurements. This data improves surgical results by identifying differences in breast sizes, suggesting corrections, and reassuring you with a virtual closet that illustrates how you will look in different apparel after your surgery. In my recent survey 78% of patients said that they would request scanner technology to plan other cosmetic surgery.

Figure 10 This image portrays a forecasted model of 500 cc implants in each breast.

 

Figure 11 The patient chooses a particular style of dress from her virtual closet.

 

Figure 12 The patient also selected how she would look in this clubbing outfit.

In conclusion, recent advances in breast augmentation technology and predictive modeling are helping my patients to make decisions that are more informed when considering surgery.

By David A. Gilbert, MD

The best skill I can offer you for your care is my surgical expertise. If you are interested in more information on:

• Facial Cosmetic Surgery
• Breast surgery
• Lip enhancement
• Liposuction
• Body Contouring
• Male Rejuvenation
• Body Scanning Techniques
  
  Please visit our office. Simply call The Hague Center for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery at:
  (757) 274-4000
  Or Email us at:
  hague400@aol.com
  and schedule a consultation and/or a body scan. We offer extended office hours.