Vectra 3D Modeling for Sydney Plastic Surgery

Vectra 3D modeling allows you to predict results of plastic surgery in Sydney

At the end of June 2014, Dr Gavin Sandercoe, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney, took delivery of a cutting edge computer system called a Vectra. The Vectra is designed to help patients understand their options in plastic surgery through 3D photography and modelling. At the time of last revision of this page (June 2023), the Vectra has not yet been surpassed by better technology. There are some competitors, but Dr Gavin Sandercoe believes that they are not superior to the Vectra (yet).

What is Vectra?

The Vectra is a modeling system that uses 6 photographs taken instantaneously to build a 3 dimensional model of a patient’s breasts, body or face. The software that comes with the camera array allows a surgeon to mark up and analyse a patient, and then to perform virtual surgery on a patient in the digital realm. This helps the patient to see what he or she could look like after the procedure in question. All results shown are a simulation, but not a guarantee, of potential results.

Uses of Vectra for Sydney Plastic Surgery on the Breasts

The Vectra system is a very good modeling system for many types of breast surgery, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift and augmentation-mastopexy (a combination of breast lift with breast implants). Dr Gavin Sandercoe has already provided feedback to the manufacturers as to some improvements that can be made in their system to assist with modeling breast surgery in difficult breasts and in breast reconstruction.

The Vectra has some uses that are very helpful with breast reconstruction. The software does not cope too well with mastectomy defects as it has a little conniption trying to assess a chest without a nipple. Little things like this can be adjusted with software updates, and we expect these glitches to be improved over time. With advanced user training and software modifications, the Vectra should be able to monitor fat graft survival.

Uses of Vectra for Sydney Plastic Surgery on the Face

The Vectra is particularly useful in cases of facial asymmetry – showing patients the differences between the two sides of their face, and educating them on what can and cannot be changed. The face module of the Vectra does allow detailed planning and provide reasonable assessments of changes that may occur after rhinoplasty and facelift. Predicted blepharoplasty results have been less useful, and routine photography is better than the Vectra in showing results of eyelid surgery at this stage.

Other Uses of Vectra for Plastic Surgery in Sydney

Dr Gavin Sandercoe believes that that Vectra will be a great tool for following up results in body contouring surgery, but its unlikely to replace standard photography.

The system cannot take into account swelling or differing skin elasticity and thickness. However, it does provide good visual cues as to the expected changes after a procedure that a patient might expect.

3D Modeling for Plastic Surgery in Sydney

Patients that are considering plastic surgery in can now get a greater understanding of their procedure and expected results. Visit Dr Gavin Sandercoe in his Bella Vista rooms (Norwest Sydney) to discuss any plastic surgical procedures that you are considering.