3D Technology for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Increased Aesthetic Outcomes and Quality of Life Using Patient-Specific Templates

Maximilian Zaussinger; Karl Schwaiger; Jürgen Schwarzbauer; Bernhard Schwartz; Matthias Holzbauer; Kathrin Bachleitner; Gudrun Ehebruster; Manfred Schmidt

doi:10.1093/asj/sjaf005

3D Technology for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Increased Aesthetic Outcomes and Quality of Life Using Patient-Specific Templates

Maximilian Zaussinger, Karl Schwaiger (Co-author), Jürgen Schwarzbauer, Bernhard Schwartz, Matthias Holzbauer, Kathrin Bachleitner, Gudrun Ehebruster, Manfred Schmidt

Research output: Contribution to journal › Original Article › peer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In autologous breast reconstruction accomplishing aesthetically pleasing outcomes represents an integral challenge. 3-dimensional technology may aid in accurate flap shaping and subsequent breast appearance.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of 3-dimensional technology for surgical planning and its influence on outcomes for breast reconstruction.

METHODS: Outcomes of 50 female patients who underwent deep epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction were analyzed. The patient population was divided into 2 study groups (with 3-dimensional technology vs without) including 25 patients each. Based on individual 3-dimensional scans and simulations, patient-specific templates were used intraoperatively within the 3-dimensional group. Quality of life assessment and aesthetic evaluations of breast appearance were statistically evaluated and compared.

RESULTS: Various scales of the BREAST-Q showed statistically significantly better values within the 3-dimensional group (p < 0.05). Concerning breast appearance, patients with 3-dimensional technology rated their breast shape and projection statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, blinded ratings of external plastic surgeons were statistically significantly higher in shape, symmetry and projection of breasts using 3-dimensional technology (p < 0.05). All patients treated with 3-dimensional assisted breast reconstruction strongly recommended this approach.

CONCLUSIONS: Using patient-specific templates represents a practical method facilitating personalized flap planning and shaping. Our results demonstrate that 3-dimensional technology significantly enhances outcomes in breast reconstruction concerning aesthetics and postoperative quality of life.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	373-380
Number of pages	8
Journal	AESTHETIC SURGERY JOURNAL
Volume	45
Issue number	4
Early online date	Feb 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf005
Publication status	Published - 13 Feb 2025

Access to Document

10.1093/asj/sjaf005

Cite this

@article{aaa2d88f31da4eff90400641bac05db9,

title = "3D Technology for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Increased Aesthetic Outcomes and Quality of Life Using Patient-Specific Templates",

abstract = "BACKGROUND: In autologous breast reconstruction accomplishing aesthetically pleasing outcomes represents an integral challenge. 3-dimensional technology may aid in accurate flap shaping and subsequent breast appearance.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of 3-dimensional technology for surgical planning and its influence on outcomes for breast reconstruction.METHODS: Outcomes of 50 female patients who underwent deep epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction were analyzed. The patient population was divided into 2 study groups (with 3-dimensional technology vs without) including 25 patients each. Based on individual 3-dimensional scans and simulations, patient-specific templates were used intraoperatively within the 3-dimensional group. Quality of life assessment and aesthetic evaluations of breast appearance were statistically evaluated and compared.RESULTS: Various scales of the BREAST-Q showed statistically significantly better values within the 3-dimensional group (p < 0.05). Concerning breast appearance, patients with 3-dimensional technology rated their breast shape and projection statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, blinded ratings of external plastic surgeons were statistically significantly higher in shape, symmetry and projection of breasts using 3-dimensional technology (p < 0.05). All patients treated with 3-dimensional assisted breast reconstruction strongly recommended this approach.CONCLUSIONS: Using patient-specific templates represents a practical method facilitating personalized flap planning and shaping. Our results demonstrate that 3-dimensional technology significantly enhances outcomes in breast reconstruction concerning aesthetics and postoperative quality of life.",

author = "Maximilian Zaussinger and Karl Schwaiger and J{\"u}rgen Schwarzbauer and Bernhard Schwartz and Matthias Holzbauer and Kathrin Bachleitner and Gudrun Ehebruster and Manfred Schmidt",

note = "Zaussinger: Dr Zaussinger is a plastic surgeon, Paracelsus Medical University; Schwaiger: Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Barmherzige Br{\"u}der, Salzburg, Austria",

year = "2025",

month = feb,

day = "13",

doi = "10.1093/asj/sjaf005",

language = "English",

volume = "45",

pages = "373--380",

journal = "AESTHETIC SURGERY JOURNAL",

issn = "1090-820X",

number = "4",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - 3D Technology for Autologous Breast Reconstruction

T2 - Increased Aesthetic Outcomes and Quality of Life Using Patient-Specific Templates

AU - Zaussinger, Maximilian

AU - Schwaiger, Karl

AU - Schwarzbauer, Jürgen

AU - Schwartz, Bernhard

AU - Holzbauer, Matthias

AU - Bachleitner, Kathrin

AU - Ehebruster, Gudrun

AU - Schmidt, Manfred

N1 - Zaussinger: Dr Zaussinger is a plastic surgeon, Paracelsus Medical University; Schwaiger: Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Salzburg, Austria

PY - 2025/2/13

Y1 - 2025/2/13

N2 - BACKGROUND: In autologous breast reconstruction accomplishing aesthetically pleasing outcomes represents an integral challenge. 3-dimensional technology may aid in accurate flap shaping and subsequent breast appearance.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of 3-dimensional technology for surgical planning and its influence on outcomes for breast reconstruction.METHODS: Outcomes of 50 female patients who underwent deep epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction were analyzed. The patient population was divided into 2 study groups (with 3-dimensional technology vs without) including 25 patients each. Based on individual 3-dimensional scans and simulations, patient-specific templates were used intraoperatively within the 3-dimensional group. Quality of life assessment and aesthetic evaluations of breast appearance were statistically evaluated and compared.RESULTS: Various scales of the BREAST-Q showed statistically significantly better values within the 3-dimensional group (p < 0.05). Concerning breast appearance, patients with 3-dimensional technology rated their breast shape and projection statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, blinded ratings of external plastic surgeons were statistically significantly higher in shape, symmetry and projection of breasts using 3-dimensional technology (p < 0.05). All patients treated with 3-dimensional assisted breast reconstruction strongly recommended this approach.CONCLUSIONS: Using patient-specific templates represents a practical method facilitating personalized flap planning and shaping. Our results demonstrate that 3-dimensional technology significantly enhances outcomes in breast reconstruction concerning aesthetics and postoperative quality of life.

AB - BACKGROUND: In autologous breast reconstruction accomplishing aesthetically pleasing outcomes represents an integral challenge. 3-dimensional technology may aid in accurate flap shaping and subsequent breast appearance.OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of 3-dimensional technology for surgical planning and its influence on outcomes for breast reconstruction.METHODS: Outcomes of 50 female patients who underwent deep epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction were analyzed. The patient population was divided into 2 study groups (with 3-dimensional technology vs without) including 25 patients each. Based on individual 3-dimensional scans and simulations, patient-specific templates were used intraoperatively within the 3-dimensional group. Quality of life assessment and aesthetic evaluations of breast appearance were statistically evaluated and compared.RESULTS: Various scales of the BREAST-Q showed statistically significantly better values within the 3-dimensional group (p < 0.05). Concerning breast appearance, patients with 3-dimensional technology rated their breast shape and projection statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, blinded ratings of external plastic surgeons were statistically significantly higher in shape, symmetry and projection of breasts using 3-dimensional technology (p < 0.05). All patients treated with 3-dimensional assisted breast reconstruction strongly recommended this approach.CONCLUSIONS: Using patient-specific templates represents a practical method facilitating personalized flap planning and shaping. Our results demonstrate that 3-dimensional technology significantly enhances outcomes in breast reconstruction concerning aesthetics and postoperative quality of life.

U2 - 10.1093/asj/sjaf005

DO - 10.1093/asj/sjaf005

M3 - Original Article

C2 - 39829158

SN - 1090-820X

VL - 45

SP - 373

EP - 380

JO - AESTHETIC SURGERY JOURNAL

JF - AESTHETIC SURGERY JOURNAL

IS - 4

ER -

3D Technology for Autologous Breast Reconstruction: Increased Aesthetic Outcomes and Quality of Life Using Patient-Specific Templates

Abstract

Access to Document

Fingerprint

Cite this