Vectra 3D simulation: how reliable is the result?

Vectra is a device that captures the face and body in three dimensions and lets you preview how you will look after treatment on a screen. It helps align your goals with your doctor by looking at the same image, but the displayed appearance is not a guarantee of the final outcome[1][2]. In a study of nose surgery using another 3D simulation (Crisalix), the report noted that how accurately the result is reproduced depends on the surgeon's experience and skill[2].

What can Vectra do?

You can see your current face and body in three dimensions and preview how you will look when the height of your nose or size of your chest is altered. Research has confirmed that Vectra's imaging equipment can accurately capture three-dimensional shape[3].

In breast surgery, it is reported that Vectra can predict the volume of the breast after surgery with accuracy exceeding 90%[4]. In nose surgery, using 3D has been found to provide greater planning accuracy than flat photographs and to deepen patient understanding[5].

Will the result match the simulation?

Most will turn out similar, but they are not guaranteed to be identical. In a report introducing research on nose surgery using image simulation, 78.3% of people rated the result as 'similar or identical'[6]. In another study, 68% answered 'as expected or better than expected'[6]. Neither figure is limited to Vectra.

Conversely, some people did not feel that way. How well the simulation can be reproduced varies greatly with the surgeon's experience and skill, and in revision surgery in particular, tissue firmness and scarring affect the result[2].

In breast surgery too, how useful the 3D prediction is depends on the circumstances and does not apply equally to everyone[4].

What should you watch for when viewing it, and what are the limitations?

The most important thing to be careful about is an image packed with too many ideals. A simulation tailored perfectly to your preferences can actually lead to unrealistic expectations and become a source of dissatisfaction[2].

It is said that dissatisfaction after nose surgery often stems from 'mismatch with expectations' rather than complications[7]. Thinking of the image as a tool for discussion rather than a promise of the final result makes it easier to reduce discrepancy[1].

During imaging, the standard is to relax your face, look straight ahead, and keep your mouth closed[8]. Most verification to date has been conducted in a state without facial movement[8].

How does 3D change the consultation?

It becomes easier to grasp the image of the final result compared to explanation by words alone. In a trial of 117 people before breast cancer surgery, three approaches were compared: explanation only, viewing photographs, and viewing 3D. Confidence in the postoperative outlook increased in the 3D group[9].

However, even in this research, it is not yet clear whether viewing 3D before surgery would raise long-term satisfaction[9]. The result that satisfaction was higher the more closely the nose surgery resembled the simulation also cannot establish causation[2].

How should you use it in consultation?

Vectra is best used to share your goals with your surgeon and confirm what is and is not possible[1][2]. From the article alone, you cannot judge how much of the image change can be realized given your own bone structure and skin condition.

During consultation, ask how much of the image is realistic, whether an option with smaller changes can also be shown to you, and check the difference between the final result and how it looks after swelling subsides.