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.