Initial Assessment of VECTRA Three-Dimensional Imaging to Accurately Simulate Breast Volume Changes in Transfeminine Patients: A Mannequin Study

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundMethods that aim to accurately measure and predict breast development can be utilized in gender-affirming treatment planning, patient education, and research. ObjectivesThe authors sought to evaluate whether three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetry accurately measures transfeminine breast volume changes on a masculine frame when simulating anticipated changes in soft tissue after gender-affirming surgical therapy. Then, we describe the innovative application of this imaging modality in a transgender patient to illustrate the potential role of 3D imaging in gender-affirming surgical care. MethodsA 3D VECTRA scanner (Canfield, Fairfield, NJ) was used to measure anthropometric breast measurements. Postoperative changes in breast volume were simulated on a cardiopulmonary resuscitation mannequin using 450 cc MENTOR breast implants (Mentor Worldwide LLC, Irvine, CA). To demonstrate the ability of the VECTRA to accurately simulate transfeminizing augmentation in practice, we describe its use in a 30-year-old transgender female with a 2-year history of gender-affirming hormone therapy, presenting for gender-affirming surgical care. ResultsIn the mannequin, mean breast volumes were 382 cc on the right (range 375-388 cc), and 360 cc on the left (range 351-366 cc). The average calculated difference in volume between the 2 sides was 22 cc (range 17-31 cc). There were no instances where the left side was calculated to be larger than the right or where the calculated size was smaller than the actual implant size. ConclusionsThe VECTRA 3D camera is a reliable and reproducible tool for preoperative assessment, surgical planning, and simulating breast volume changes after gender-affirming surgery. Level of Evidence: 5