Predictive Value of 3D Imaging to Guide Resection Volume Determination in Reduction Mammaplasty

Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Accurate assessment of breast volume is helpful in preoperative planning and intraoperative judgment in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. In this prospective study, a formula was derived using multivariable linear regression. Thirty-six women who underwent reconstruction mammaplasty between April 2020 and September 2025 were included in this study. A 3D scanner (Sense Pro, PMAX company) was used for measuring preoperative breast volume. We evaluated the relation of the measured preoperative breast volume, the mastectomy-specimen volume, and the anthropometric data. A strong correlation existed between preoperative breast volume, mastectomy-specimen volume, and anthropometric data. The mean reduction volume calculated through water displacement was 472.9 cc (SD 166.44). Performing a multivariate regression analysis, four factors emerged as accurate predictors of resection volume. The resection volume predicted by the formula showed a strong correlation with the volume measured using the water displacement method (ρ = 0.817, R² = 0.886). This study shows that preoperative breast volume, as measured by a 3D scanner, can provide useful assistance in the redict resection volume, establish realistic expectations, and reduce intraoperative adjustments and uncertainty.