Published in:
01-04-2014 | Original Article
Anthropometry of the Breast Region: How to Measure?
Published in: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery | Issue 2/2014
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Background
Breast region measurements are important for research, but they may also become significant in the legal field as a quantitative tool for preoperative and postoperative evaluation. Direct anthropometric measurements can be taken in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to compare direct breast anthropometric measurements taken with a tape measure and a compass.
Methods
Forty women, aged 18–60 years, were evaluated. They had 14 anatomical landmarks marked on the breast region and arms. The union of these points formed eight linear segments and one angle for each side of the body. The volunteers were evaluated by direct anthropometry in a standardized way, using a tape measure and a compass.
Results
Differences were found between the tape measure and the compass measurements for all segments analyzed (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Measurements obtained by tape measure and compass are not identical. Therefore, once the measurement tool is chosen, it should be used for the pre- and postoperative measurements in a standardized way.
Level of Evidence IV
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