Validation of different soft tissue simulation methods for breast augmentation

In spite of the large number of breast reconstruction and breast augmentation procedures, there exists no reliable simulation method to predict the patient-specific surgical outcome of breast augmentation. In this paper, we present a computational model capable of simulating the postoperative shape of the breast up to 1 cm accuracy after a subglandular breast implantation. In particular, we compare a mass spring system with a finite element model, we investigate the influence of different elasticity models, and we examine which imaging modalities are suited to generate the patient specific data.