Assessment of Patient Satisfaction Using a New Augmented Reality Simulation Software for Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. Providing patients with realistic 3D simulations of breast augmentation outcomes is becoming increasingly common. Until recently, such programs were expensive and required significant equipment, training, and office space. New simple user-friendly programs have been developed, but to date there remains a paucity of objective evidence comparing these 3D simulations with post-operative outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the aesthetic similarity between a pre-operative 3D simulation generated using Arbrea breast simulation software and real post-operative outcomes, with a focus on patient satisfaction. Methods: The authors conducted a prospective study of patients requiring breast augmentation. Patients were asked to assess how realistic the simulation was compared to the one-year post-operative result using the authors’ grading scale for breast augmentation simulation assessment. Patient satisfaction with the simulations was assessed using a satisfaction visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (not at all satisfied) to 10 (very satisfied). Patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome was assessed using the BREAST-Q Augmentation Module. Results: All patients were satisfied with the simulations and with the attained breast volume, with a mean VAS score of 8.2 ± 1.2. The mean simulation time took 90 s on average. The differences between the pre-operative and one-year post-operative values of the three BREAST-Q assessments were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Three-dimensional simulation is becoming increasingly common in pre-operative planning for breast augmentation. The present study aimed to assess the degree of similarity of three-dimensional simulations generated using Arbrea Breast Software and found that the use of the software provided a very satisfying representation for patients undergoing breast augmentation. However, we recommend informing patients that only the volume simulation is extremely accurate. On the other hand, it is necessary to not guarantee an absolute correspondence regarding the breast shape between the simulation and the post-operative result.

What Makes Patients Stick with an Orthopedic Surgeon?

“…18 La Padula et al developed simulation software to assess patient satisfaction following breast augmentation using augmented reality. 19 Zhou et al, in a systematic review of patient loyalty, revealed eight determinants, including trust, satisfaction, quality, commitment, value, hospital brand image, organizational citizenship behavior, and customer complaints. 3 Health service providers focusing on patient loyalty achieve more economic or noneconomic benefits.…”

Identification of key breast features using a neural network: applications of machine learning in the clinical setting of Plastic Surgery

“…Simulation technology has been linked to high patient satisfaction. 17 We can foresee a future in which AI will be able to predict the type of surgery and implant needed for each patient. Although the world of completely automated surgical procedures is currently unrealistic, the technology we describe in this work is one of the necessary milestones that will one day bring us there.…”