New 3D Imaging Technology
Lets You Try on Cosmetic Surgery First
By Laurence T. Glickman, MD, MSc, FRCS(C), FACS


How do you know if something you want is flattering on you? You can try on a pair of jeans to see how they look from all angles before you buy them. You can even upload your photo to experiment with different hairstyles before taking the plunge on a new look. But what about filling facial lines with the latest injectable Sculptra Aesthetic, or having your breasts enlarged or reduced? One of the main reasons people shy away from aesthetic procedures that they have always dreamed about is because it is difficult to visualize what they will look like afterward.

With new cutting-edge 3D imaging, which I use at my practice, you can now "try procedures on" before committing to them. The Canfield VECTRA 3D imaging system allows prospective patients to watch 3D images of themselves transformed in just seconds, and see simulations of a range of realistic outcomes for practically any facial or body procedure. For example, a woman can now see how different sizes and types of breast implants would look on her own body, or what she would look like without the deep facial folds that have bothered her for years. The "try before you buy" concept made possible by 3D imaging has revolutionized the entire plastic surgery process from consultation to end results.

Before 3D imaging was available, there was no way to show patients realistic, personalized outcomes of their desired procedure. Surgeons had to rely on a variety of low-tech methods to demonstrate potential results to their patients. These included showing "before" and "after" photos of other patients who underwent a similar procedure, drawing on photos of the patient, or simply talking about the desired results. While these methods can give a general sense of the outcome, they can lead to differing expectations and a patient who finds that his or her own results are not quite what they hoped for.


See your Aesthetic Future with VECTRA

VECTRA is the most advanced 3D imaging technology available. Unlike other 3D imaging systems that only focus on one area of the body, VECTRA is a single system that captures and manipulates 3D face, breast, and body images. The special cameras and modeling software capture and rotate views of each area that would be impractical or impossible with standard two-dimensional photography - including personal perspectives such as looking down at your own breasts.

As the surgeon manipulates the images, patients can explore the possibilities from every angle. Images can be zoomed in for a closer look, superimposed on top of your "before" picture (e.g., to see the placement of augmented or lifted breasts in relation to your current breasts), or compared side by side.

VECTRA can be used to simulate near-authentic results in virtually any type of surgical or non-surgical procedure including breast augmentation or reconstruction, body contouring, post weight-loss surgery, or facial aesthetics such as rhinoplasty and chin augmentation. Even outcomes of non-surgical procedures like laser skin resurfacing and injectables such as BOTOX, Dysport, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra Aesthetic can be viewed this way.

What's more, VECTRA can show how combined procedures would look. For example, a patient who wants to have the bump on their nose removed can also see the overall effect of having that procedure in combination with a chin augmentation. Further, VECTRA is especially effective when planning procedures for children including facial reconstruction for cleft palate. Due to the extensive nature of that and similar procedures, parents are often comforted to view the expected outcome for their children, which replaces most of their worry and fear with excitement and anticipation for life after the procedure.

Here is just a sample of the amazing things VECTRA can do at a no-cost consultation:

- Have you "try on" different implant shapes/sizes with the click of the mouse

- Generate actual 3D models of implants you select and calculate a realistic outcome based on gravity, shape, and placement of the selected implant and your own breast tissue

- Compare results of breast augmentation alone or in combination with a breast lift

- Show the difference in volume in your natural breasts to make adjustments to implant volume or profile to address asymmetry

- Erase lines and folds, and restore lost volume to your face with the latest injectables, taking years off your appearance

- Determine if a combination of injectables rather than one particular filler helps you better achieve the look you desire

- Help doctors determine the ideal amounts and placement of injectables


More Productive Consultations

As fascinating as VECTRA is to see in action, another major advantage of 3D imaging is the communication and partnership that it fosters during consultations. Since both patients and doctors can visualize nearly-true results, both parties can discuss and agree on the common goals of surgery in real time as images are adjusted. This helps eliminate confusion and unrealistic expectations.

Doctors are just as excited as patients about this technology since reaching common aesthetic goals has always been a challenge. For example, a patient may think they would look great with the same cute little nose as a certain celebrity. However, when the doctor creates actual images of the patient with this type of nose, they both see that it makes the rest of the facial features seem out of proportion, helping them to realize that this is not a realistic goal. With some more discussion and a few clicks of the mouse, the patient and doctor can agree on the degree of reshaping that will provide the best result.

Patients who have experienced 3D consultations relate that it makes the decision to move forward with a procedure easier and quicker because they now know essentially what they will look like. It also decreases anxiety the day of the procedure because they feel more prepared for the outcome. Patients have also expressed that visiting offices with this technology instills confidence that the practice embraces the most modern innovations in the field.

With 3D imaging, it has never been quicker or easier to see how you will look after a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure. Whether you are interested in subtle changes such as dermal fillers or something more dramatic like breast augmentation, VECTRA will help you accurately visualize the new you.