LAUSR

Breast reconstruction has undergone significant strides in recent years. Immediate autologous techniques in combination with skinor nipple-sparing mastectomy have resulted in natural and long-standing outcomes (Fig. 1a, b). Surgeon-driven efforts have been concentrated on optimising the efficiency and technical success of breast reconstruction. However, there is increasing awareness of the importance of aesthetic parameters which would enable the patients to move forward in their breast cancer journey with increased self-confidence. Shape, volume and symmetry are the components associated with satisfaction in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast procedures. In addition, ptosis and projection contribute to a pleasing outcome. Volumetric analysis is an important component of planning in autologous breast reconstruction. Determining the ideal volume of harvested tissue can be complex and requires experience. Since the water displacement method introduced in the 1970s, there has been a range of volumetric assessment tools the more recent of which is 3D imaging [1, 2]. Most of these have limited practicality due to high cost and lack of evidence. Summary of the Aims of this Paper