Three-dimensional Breast Imaging

Abstract

Human anatomic structures are, of course, three-dimensional (3-D) objects. In plastic surgery, we try to capture a sense of this by taking two-dimensional photographs using multiple views from standardized points. The reliability of this approach is limited by variations in technique and the ability of the viewer to envision the 3-dimensional appearance based on a set of standard photographs. Technology is emerging that will make full 3-D imaging practical and perhaps standard practice for plastic surgery.