The Effect of Arm Position on Breast Volume Measurement Using Three-dimensional Imaging

Background Three-dimensional (3D) imaging offers an objective and quantitative way to evaluate the breast volume. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether arm position can be a factor influencing the measurement of breast volume and which arm position is more stable when using 3D breast imaging in evaluating the fat volume retention rate in autologous fat grafting for breast augmentation. Methods Patients undergoing breast augmentation with autologous fat grafting in our department were selected for the first part of this study. Preoperative 3D breast imaging was performed at three different arm positions: at the sides, akimbo and with hands on the head. Scans on each arm position were repeated on the first day after surgery, taking six scans in total. Breast volume change (BVC) was compared before and after surgery. The patients planning to receive bilateral mammaplasty in our department were selected for the second part of this study. Two repeated 3D scans were performed at the sides, akimbo and hands on the head, and then, the breast volume change error (BVCE) was compared. Results Twenty-five patients (n = 50 breasts) were included in the first part of study. For the patients who received 100-200 ml fat injection, compared with hands on the head, a statistically significant difference in the average BVC was found at the sides and akimbo (p = 0.02). For the patients receiving more than 200 ml fat injection, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Twenty-six patients (n = 52 breasts) were enrolled in the second part. For the average BVCE, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.11). Conclusions The arm position during 3D breast imaging, to some extent, affects the evaluation of BVC after breast augmentation using autologous fat grafting, particularly for patients receiving less fat grafting. The arm position should be kept consistent when using 3D breast imaging in evaluating the fat volume retention rate.