Experimental methodology for digital breast shape analysis and objective surgical outcome evaluation

Outcome evaluation in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast is commonly performed visually or employing bi-dimensional photography. The reconstructive process in the era of anatomical implants requires excellent survey capabilities that mainly rely on surgeon experience. In this paper we present a set of parameters to unambiguously estimate the shape of natural and reconstructed breast. A digital Laser scanner was employed on seven female volunteers. A graphic depiction of curvature of the thoracic surface has been the most interesting result. Further work is required to provide clinical and instrumental validation to our technique. (c) 2006 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.