Breast augmentations that are lifts are popular procedures for women looking to achieve a look that makes them feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Whether you’re looking to enhance your breasts by making them perkier and more full or you would like to enhance the size of your breasts, you deserve to have the appearance that makes you feel secure and happy. Dr. Kelly Kunkel is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience helping people achieve their ideal look. He creates precise, beautiful results using the latest technology, the Vectra XT 3D imaging system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kunkel and learn more about our breast augmentations in Fort Worth, TX.
What Is a Breast Augmentation Versus a Lift?
A breast augmentation, also known as a mammoplasty, is a procedure to increase the size of the breasts. A lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to remove excess skin and lift the breasts by tightening the skin. It may also involve reshaping some of the breast tissue to give a fuller, tighter appearance. Deciding which one to get is based on what you want your breasts to look like. That’s why Dr. Kunkel utilizes the Vectra XT 3D imaging system.
How Does the Vectra XT Work?
Dr. Kelly Kunkel was the first plastic surgeon in Tarrant County to use the Vectra XT 3D imaging system. Three companies make breast implants for use in the United States: Mentor, Allergan, and Sientra. The Vectra Breast Sculptor software contains information about almost every breast implant from these companies.
This system uses six cameras that take photographs of a woman’s torso. The software then takes the data from the six photographs and creates a three-dimensional image of the chest. Once an image of a woman’s breasts/ chest is created using the Vectra system, it is possible to alter the 3D image to show what she may look like with specific implants. This 3D image may be rotated in all directions, allowing visualization of the torso from angles that are almost impossible to view, even in a mirror.
Instead of placing implants inside a bra or filling baggies with rice and trying that on, the Vectra XT 3D system gives a woman a reasonable idea of what she may look like with specific breast implants (saline or silicone, round or shaped). This allows her to see herself from every angle, including ones that are difficult to see in a mirror.
The 3D imaging system has transformed Dr. Kunkel’s consultation process. While the Vectra system does not show a woman exactly what she will look like, this system helps make the consultation process more complete. You and Dr. Kunkel will be able to view all of the possibilities and create a plan completely personalized to you.
How Does 3D Imaging Improve the Breast Augmentation Process?
3D imaging has transformed the breast augmentation consultation process, providing a more interactive and personalized experience. Instead of relying solely on before-and-after photos of other patients, this technology allows you to visualize your own potential results based on your unique anatomy.
One of the key advantages of 3D imaging is its ability to create a highly detailed simulation of how different implant sizes, shapes, and profiles will look on your body. This removes much of the guesswork from selecting an implant size, ensuring that you feel confident in your choices before moving forward with surgery.
Other benefits of 3D imaging in breast augmentation include:
- Better communication with the surgeon:Â You can clearly express your aesthetic goals, and Dr. Kunkel can illustrate how different implant options will impact your final appearance.
- More precise surgical planning:Â By viewing simulations from multiple angles, Dr. Kunkel can tailor the procedure to achieve optimal symmetry and proportion.
- Reduced uncertainty and anxiety:Â If you are worried about choosing an implant size that may not match your expectations, 3D imaging provides a realistic preview, helping them make an informed decision.
Ultimately, this advanced imaging technology helps align your expectations with achievable results, leading to greater satisfaction with the outcome.
Can I See Both Saline and Silicone Implants Using the Imaging Technology?
Yes, 3D imaging allows you to compare the appearance of both saline and silicone implants before making a decision. While the imaging software cannot replicate the implants' exact feel, it provides a realistic visual representation of how different implant materials may impact your breast shape, size, and projection.
Understanding the differences between saline and silicone implants can help you make an informed choice:
- Saline implants:Â These implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution after insertion, allowing for smaller incisions. If a rupture occurs, your body naturally absorbs the saline. However, saline implants tend to have a firmer feel and may be more prone to visible rippling, particularly in women with thin breast tissue.
- Silicone implants:Â Made with a cohesive silicone gel, these implants closely mimic the natural look and feel of your breast tissue. They are less likely to show rippling and provide a softer, more natural contour. However, a rupture is not as easily detectable, which is why regular imaging is recommended.
With 3D imaging, you can visualize how each type of implant affects your breast shape, volume, and symmetry. This is particularly helpful if you are torn between saline and silicone options, as it provides a side-by-side comparison of the potential results.
How Long Does a 3D Imaging Consultation for Breast Augmentation Typically Take?
A 3D imaging consultation for breast augmentation typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your goals and the number of implant options being reviewed. During this time, Dr. Kunkel captures detailed images of your chest and generates realistic simulations of different implant sizes, shapes, and projections. It’s a process that is best not rushed to ensure the right surgical plan is devised for satisfying cosmetic breast results.
Schedule a Three-Dimensional Imaging Consultation
Since Dr. Kunkel was one of the first to bring Vector XT 3D imaging technology to Tarrant County, he has extensive experience in utilizing it to assist patients in achieving their goals and feeling confident in their bodies. If you’re interested in breast augmentation or a breast lift in Fort Worth, TX, contact our office to schedule a three-dimensional imaging consultation with Dr. Kunkel. You can reach us at (817) 335-5200 or fill out our contact form online.
