VECTRA 3D imaging has no radiation. It is not an Xray or CT scan. It is a super high tech system of cameras with fancy software, so you get a big benefit and no risk.
VECTRA is a system of cameras which takes photos of you from different angles to create a 3D image. The process takes a second to take the photo and a minute or two to process on the computer. It leaves you with a 3D image of your breasts you can see from angles you have never seen before. I have found it incredibly useful for my patients, particularly when talking about breast augmentation. Every plastic surgeon is different in how they help advise and plan for breast augmentation. Here in the Bay Area, I am one of the few doctors who uses the VECTRA system, including it as part of my initial consultation with you. I review your results with you.
Why do I love it? I have been doing breast surgery for 20 years. I am successful at breast surgery because I can see the nuances of the breast, and measure differences with basic techniques. What I love about the VECTRA is how it helps my patients. It helps YOU see your breasts. Really see your breasts. Photos can be unforgiving, and a 3D photo really shows it like it is.
- VOLUME. Is one breast larger than the other? This has 2 different ways of looking at volume, which takes into account ribcage and position differences.
- WIDTH. Is one breast wider? Is your chest ribcage asymmetric?
- CLEAVAGE. What is the natural spacing between your breasts? Cleavage is an area many of my patient really want to improve and fill when they do an implant. For sure implants help this area, but there are natural differences in the cleavage spacing which we can’t control. Vectra does an analysis of this to show where your natural breast ends.
- IMF. Our fancy doctor term for the bottom of the breast fold is the inframammary fold. The IMF is where your underwire would go, i.e. where your breast starts from. Turns out our breasts don’t usually start at the exact same place. This difference in position can make the breasts look different and affect nipple position.
- NIPPLE POSITION. This one tends to be more noticeable. Where are your nipples? Are they even?
The system is not perfect, but my patients have found it very helpful. It can give that “Aha!” moment where you understand what I am talking about. Unfortunately, breasts tend not to be exactly even, and many of us have issues with the shape and position of the breast. This lets you see it.
Then we can actually demo what the breast would look like with different styles of implants (round versus the 410 gummy bear shaped implant) and what different sizes would look like.
The system is another tool to help make sure you are truly educated on your breast augmentation surgery. I love it.