Vectra 3D Imaging System
If you're thinking about undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure such as a breast augmentation surgery with implants, your plastic and reconstructive surgery specialist may offer you a consultation with an advanced simulation imaging technology called the Vectra 3D imaging system and Sculptor software. This cutting-edge imaging system from Canfield Imaging Systems allows patients to preview the expected outcome of their cosmetic surgery before committing to the procedure. Please continue reading to learn more about the Vectra 3D imaging system.
What is VECTRA 3D imaging?
Vectra 3D imaging can be done before different types of plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation procedures, breast lift, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, facelift, neck lift, and body contouring. You can think of it as a private photo session with your plastic surgeon, during which they will take three dimensional photographs of your face or body that capture even the smallest details. The Vectra 3D imaging system software and simulation tools will then create a 3D digital model to show you the expected results of your chosen surgical procedure.
How exactly does the Sculptor 3D software work?
Vectra 3D from Canfield Imaging Systems features a proprietary Sculptor software. This software uses the "before" image captured by the Vectra camera and processes it to create an "after" digital image or virtual model of the expected results after a plastic surgery. This "after" image or model is displayed on the computer monitor and can be rotated and viewed from various angles. Your doctor can also apply various simulated sculpting tools to show you possible outcomes. Meaning, they can change the size, shape and position of the targeted area.
For example, if you are considering facial plastic surgery procedures, your doctor can smoothen, tighten, and resize your facial features to show you what you will look like after the cosmetic surgery. Similarly, if you are considering breast augmentation, your doctor can use the software to make your breasts larger, lifted, and shaped on the monitor. This will give you a preview of the expected appearance of your breasts after surgery.
Once you and your doctor agree on the expected results, your doctor can develop a treatment plan based on the desires and goals you have expressed during the consultation with the Vectra 3D imaging system.
Why is Vectra 3D imaging important?
Many plastic surgeons consider Vectra 3D imaging to be an essential step in the decision-making and preoperative planning process. It allows your doctor to explain options, limitations, and the expected result using your own image. This is critical to set realistic expectations. A Vectra 3D consultation gives you, the patient, the opportunity to preview the outcomes from various surgical options and decide on the option that best meets your aesthetic goals. The technology is designed to ensure that plastic surgeons and patients are communicating clearly during the surgical planning process.
What happens during the Vectra 3D consultation?
The entire consultation with Vectra system takes only a few minutes. The 3D image can be viewed from different angles and you can zoom in for a closer look. It's also possible to compare pre-operative and post-operative images side-by-side. You have opportunity to request alternative simulations to explore possible outcomes from other cosmetic procedures. You can also see the difference between the outcome from a single procedure and the outcome after combining multiple procedures, for example, a facelift alone or a facelift plus neck lift. The Vectra consultation can help you in selecting breast implants or seeing the expected results of a breast reconstruction surgery.
The goal is to determine the best treatment for you and ensure you are comfortable with the recommended surgical plan.
Can Vectra 3D aesthetic simulation tell me if breast augmentation is right for me?
The Vectra system is designed to help patients preview the anticipated results and express their desires in terms of outcomes. However, while it provides visual guidance, the system cannot tell you if you are a good candidate for any particular cosmetic surgery procedure. These evaluations require in depth analysis of your medical history and are therefore something only your doctor can perform.
The Vectra 3D technology can, however, conveniently and quickly help you decide if a particular procedure can give you the results you want.
How closely does VECTRA 3D simulation match the actual results of surgery?
There is a strong correlation between what you see on the monitor and the actual results you get in the treatment area. In other words, you can expect the actual results of your surgery to be very similar but not exactly the same as the body images you saw on the Vectra monitor. This is because the Vectra 3D imaging system estimates your body mass index, breast mass, etc., and applies the usual surgical technique to show you expected outcomes. However, the results of your surgery ultimately depend on the actual surgical techniques your doctor uses. With Vectra's advanced technology, you can be sure that the simulation will be as accurate as possible.
The system uses several advanced technological features to accomplish this, including automated measurements, gray mode to show contours, RBX technology to visualize red and brown skin components for accurate visualization of skin conditions, markerless tracking to demonstrate skin surface changes, wraparound images with automatic stitching of front and back views, circumferential measurements for body contouring, volume adjustments, overlaying, dynamic soft tissue modeling, and more.
Nonetheless, there are some considerations that need to be kept in mind. For example, one study found that the reliability of the Vectra 3D imaging system in predicting breast mass varies based on cup sizes. In women with pseudoptotic breasts (more breast tissue in the lower half of the breast), there can be a significantly reduced correlation coefficient. Meaning, the present study suggests there is a significantly decreased association between the actual mastectomy mass in the patient's body and the Vectra predicted mass in some patients.
Why have a Vectra 3D consultation?
If you are considering body contouring, breast augmentation surgery, or facial plastic surgery to enhance your aesthetic appearance, you will have to make some important decisions. There can be many potential confounding variables and important considerations. The Vectra system is designed to make the whole process easier and give you peace of mind.
A great example is selecting breast implants, i.e., choosing the right size. A Vectra 3D consultation is a reliable tool that will give you the chance to see the outcome from various implant sizes (silicone and saline implants both) based on your specific body proportions. You can think of it as a virtual fitting room where you get to try out different sizes and shapes and decide on the best implant size for you. A Vectra 3D consultation is also important to help you understand what can and cannot be achieved so that you have realistic expectations in terms of attainable results. The outcomes demonstrated on the Vectra 3D imaging system are customized to your body, so you have peace of mind and can make informed decisions about your surgical options.
How to find an aesthetic medical professional who offers Vectra 3D simulation imaging?
The MeTime app makes it easy to find leading aesthetic medical professionals in your community, including those who offer pre-operative Vectra 3D imaging consultations. Through MeTime, you can chat with experts, share photos, do a video call, get quotes, and much more. If you haven't already done so, download the MeTime app today and find out more about the Vectra 3D imaging system.