Personalizing Your Breast Surgery

Preoperative Planning with Computer SimulationPrecision Light 4D Imaging Video Gallery

Our goal is to provide you appropriate information as you consider breast augmentation surgery. One of the most challenging and time-consuming aspects of planning this procedure is the issue of finding the size and type of breast implant that will give you the result you desire. Since this is a new experience for you, we want to reduce your anxiety about this issue by allowing you to visualize your final form with breast implants. We show you elsewhere on this website many two-dimensional photos of patients who have had surgery by Dr. Creasman. But in the process of your consultation, we can also now demonstrate with computer imaging technology how you will look in the mirror after surgery in a realistic 3-dimensional way. This new imaging system is actually called 4-D imaging (your three dimensional shape plus a realistic color photo of you) and involves proprietary software that Dr. Creasman has helped develop over the past year, working with a start-up technology company.

It is like seeing the results of your augmentation, with different implant choices, before you ever have surgery! The patients who have experienced this imaging exercise have found it of enormous importance in their choice of implant, and for that matter, whether this is an appropriate operation for them.

Dr. Craig Creasman was an early adopter of utilizing computer imaging technology in his aesthetic plastic surgery practice. He has used computer imaging technology for nasal and other facial surgery for most of his 18 years in practice. His current system provides two-dimensional image morphing software that has helped him communicate to prospective patients the potential of various operations in a more understandable way, for example, seeing one’s profile before and after rhinoplasty.

Yet this has not been previously possible for breast enlargement, as the needs for imaging breasts require a three-dimensional approach, and previous software has had a hard time creating realistic outcomes that accurately reflect the way augmented breasts appear and that can also accommodate all the “variations on the theme”. Since breast enlargement is the most popular procedure in Dr Creasman’s practice, he has looked for a system that would enhance communication with patients about this operation. In 2008, he began a working relationship with a local start-up company that believed 21st century technology could help him in this process.

After examining your breasts, Dr. Creasman will generally want to discuss your surgical options with you using this new computer imaging, which can demonstrate for you the changes he would suggest for your breasts. 4-D images will be obtained very quickly, which he can then manipulate to show an educated estimate of what might be achievable with surgery, with the ability to vary the implant choice. Though this is not to be implied as a warranty of the surgical result, it does provide a visual communication aid both for you to give the doctor your feedback and for him to convey to you the limitations of what can be done, as well as the possibilities. It is important to see how one actually looks with the breasts you think you want, and it becomes an educational process to view the result as a third party, rather than just leaving it to the verbalization of the surgeon while looking in a mirror with an implant held up to your body.

Automatic Measurements

In the process of capturing your 4-D image, we are also able to capture information on your existing dimensions. This means that all of the measurements that Dr. Creasman will require for your surgical planning are captured with a single click. We will review this information with you to assure that you are aware of existing asymmetries on your body. All of us are different in some way from the right side of our body to the left. Knowing this prior to surgery will allow us to determine any changes in the procedure; but more importantly, we will communicate with you what you look like after the surgery.

These measurements are done automatically, so you will not have to do anything but consent for us to take this 4-D image. Once the image is completed in less than a minute, you will be able to be dressed for the remainder of our discussion as we use a large monitor to review all the details of your anatomy.

Pre Op

Simulation

Post Op (9 month)

Visualizing Your Results

The images you see on this page are from one of our patients that had breast surgery recently. You can see her 4-D before and after photo with the prediction of what she would look like. This is exactly the process we will take you through and give you the time to determine your look. As you can see, the simulation of what she would look like after surgery is very close to her final outcome. As we have been collecting data for over a year on numerous other patients, it allows us to predict your results based on this data and the science and technology that we have harnessed.

The 4-D images that we will review provide you with the chance to understand the results of the surgery and determine what is best for you. Since you are seeing your own image as you will appear in the future, the goal is to “get it right the first time”, and avoid reoperations for size changes. It is not just our discussion, but images that we create from your goals that you can factor into your decision. Your confidence in your implant selection will increase as you see the results.

Your Next Step

After understanding how this new technology can improve your discussions with us, it is time to schedule an appointment at our office. There we can demonstrate to you the potential that this surgery can unlock for you.