Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

Crisalix 3D in practice

• Who is Crisalix?

  Crisalix is the inventor of Crisalix 3D, the first web-based 3D preview technology for plastic surgery based on physical properties of the body. As a pioneer in its field, Crisalix has developed a system for reconstructing the patient's body in 3D from 2D images. Spin-off of internationally renowned academic R&D centers such as the Institute of Surgical Technology and Biomechanics (ISTB) of the University of Bern (Switzerland) and Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL - Switzerland), Crisalix was initiated in 2006 with the support of the CO-ME network (Computer Aided and Image Guided Medical Interventions) in Switzerland.

• What is Crisalix 3D?

  Crisalix 3D is the first web-based 3D physical simulator for breast augmentation, which generates instantaneous, purely scientific predictions based on the physical properties of the patient’s body. Crisalix 3D requires no expensive hardware and was developed on a purely intuitive and easy-to-use approach.

• How accurate is Crisalix 3D?

  Crisalix 3D’s accuracy has shown to increase surgeons’ conversion rates and patient referrals, as it is based on purely scientific predictions. To provide a highly precise 3D reconstruction, Crisalix 3D takes into account the physical properties of each patient’s body (skin elasticity, muscles, fat, etc). By using a scientific methodology of infinite iterative calculation, Crisalix 3D is able to provide ultimate accuracy of post-operative volume based on the implant and the pre-operative breast Every patient should however note that 3D simulations are for informational purpose only and bear no guarantee of post-operative results.

• How does Crisalix 3D benefit my practice?

  Crisalix 3D has been created to optimize surgeon-patient relationships and to help surgeons provide patients with a realistic and accurate post-operative prediction prior to the procedure. In doing so, Crisalix 3D can help you improve communication with your patients, increase your consult-to-surgery conversion rates, increase patient satisfaction and referrals and optimize consultation time, to name only a few of the numerous benefits it can bring to your practice.

• Can I see before and after 3D simulation images?

  Absolutely. That is the point. Crisalix 3D provides an innovative, intuitive and cost-effective solution enabling you to show your patients a comparison of what they look like before surgery and what they could look like after.

• Can I expect to increase patient referrals and consult-to-surgery conversions?

  Yes. By providing your patients with accurate predictions of what they will look like after surgery, you can increase patient confidence in the upcoming surgery. In turn you can increase patient satisfaction and incite them to talk about you to their friends.

• What special equipment do I need to use Crisalix 3D?

  As a web-based solution, Crisalix 3D does not require any voluminous or expensive equipment. All you need is your computer or laptop and a standard digital camera.

• Does Crisalix 3D work with all breast implant manufacturers?

  Crisalix 3D implant catalogue currently includes 4,600 implants available in the market, and we are continuing to extend this selection. If you have a specific implant that you would require, please send an email to support.team@crisalix.com in order for us to accommodate your request as soon as possible.

• My consultations last about 30 minutes, so I cannot spend valuable time running simulations. Does the simulation process through Crisalix 3D take a long time?

  Definitely not. We understand your need to optimize your consultation time. That is why Crisalix 3D is not only easy-to-use, it is also lightning fast! It is designed to process a 3D reconstruction of your patient’s body in just 3 simple steps and less than 5 minutes! All that is required are standard photos and a few body measurements. In fact, Crisalix 3D will help you gain time, enabling you to focus on the patient rather than looking at photos of previous patients, patient’s friends, or any other external source for that matter. Crisalix 3D can actually help you increase patient satisfaction and consult-to-surgery conversions.

• Is Crisalix 3D another plastic surgery simulator based on morphing?

  Absolutely not. Crisalix 3D is the first web-based 3D simulator that takes into account the physical properties of the human body, such as skin, fat and gland, together with the effects of gravity, in order to simulate the insertion of implants in a realistic and accurate manner.

• How is Crisalix 3D different from capital equipment products?

  Contrary to capital equipment products, Crisalix 3D requires no expensive hardware, thus saving money, time and space. Furthermore, Crisalix 3D is a web-based solution, meaning that all updates, developments and new features are available directly in the Crisalix 3D account, absolutely free. Visit the "Why Crisalix 3D?" page on our website for further information

• Does Crisalix 3D have the same accuracy as capital equipment products?

  Crisalix 3D employs the most advanced 3D simulation technology for plastic and aesthetic surgery, that takes into account the physical properties of the body. Developed in collaboration with the world’s most renowned university research centers in biomechanics, surgical technology, 3D and information technology, Crisalix 3D generates extremely precise and realistic 3D simulations and replicates the reactions of the different parts of the body (skin elasticity, muscles, fat, etc) in the context of a surgical procedure. By using a scientific methodology of infinite iterative calculation, Crisalix 3D is able to provide ultimate accuracy of post-operative volume based on the implant and the pre-operative breast. As capital equipment products, such as scanners, cannot reconstruct the internal parts of the human body, they are obliged to issue hypotheses which do not originate from extensive experimental research, crucial in replicating the human body’s reaction to surgery. Crisalix 3D is thus much more advanced than capital equipment products in post-operative simulation

  The university research centers mentioned above have also developed highly complex algorithms which enable a 3D reconstruction of the external parts of the human body, simply from 2D images. As a result of this research, Crisalix’s state-of-the-art proprietary Tissue Elastic Model (TEM) accurately reconstructs the body’s three dimensional internal organs using volumetric slices called “voxels.” These voxels are given the properties of the patient’s muscle, skin, fat and glandular elements of the patient’s body at the level of cellular groupings and tissue boundaries. Furthermore, Crisalix 3D technology presents a uniquely realistic texturization of the skin, thereby offering a visual result far superior to other solutions. While expensive scanners may produce reasonable 3D reconstructions, they cannot be totally relied upon, with the exception of MRIs, which would in effect be redundant in view of the fact that no simulation can guarantee a final result under any circumstance. In short, Crisalix 3D offers your patients the most advanced and realistic post-operative simulation with an optimal image texturization of the skin, without considerable costs.

• Is Crisalix Crisalix 3D HIPAA-compliant?

  The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) includes two sections or rules which relate to a certain extent to the storage and management of patient images: the Privacy Rule and the Security Rule. These rules regulate the protection and security of confidential patient information. As a provider of a web-based SaaS (Software as a Service), Crisalix is not subject to the HIPAA regulations as such. Nevertheless, we respect the importance of these regulations and do our utmost to ensure our clients have no concerns in this context. Crisalix has integrated several precautions to ensure patient confidentiality and data is fully respected and protected; namely: no requirement for patients’ names in their profiles, photo only required from neck to waist, daily backups of data, SSL encrypted accounts requiring passwords and access limited exclusively to security personnel.

• Can I simulate breast reduction or breast augmentation with lifting?

  Crisalix 3D currently offers 3D simulation for breast augmentation for small, medium and large breasts. Breast reduction and other procedures are not yet implemented but planned as a future module. Please email your contact details to support.team@crisalix.com in order for us to inform you as soon as these features become available. In the meantime please have a look at our Crisalix 3D Simulator.

• I perform many facial operations; do you simulate facial surgeries as well?

  Crisalix is working hard to offer 3D simulations for the full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, including facial operations. We expect to launch a new Crisalix 3D module for face surgeries in the coming weeks. Please email your contact details to support.team@crisalix.com in order for us to inform you as soon as these features become available. In the meantime please have a look at our Crisalix 3D Simulator.

• I perform many liposuctions; do you simulate liposuction surgery as well?

  Crisalix is working hard to offer 3D simulations for the full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures, including liposuction. We expect to launch a new Crisalix 3D module for liposuction soon. Please email your contact details to support.team@crisalix.com in order for us to inform you as soon as these features become available. In the meantime please have a look at our Crisalix 3D Simulator.

• I perform other types of plastic surgery operation; do you simulate other operations as well?

  Crisalix is working hard to offer 3D simulations for the full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures. Please email your contact details to support.team@crisalix.com and indicate the type of plastic surgery practice, in order for us to inform you as soon as these features become available. In the meantime please have a look at our Crisalix 3D Simulator.

• My clinic is quite small, and I do not have enough space to install any plastic surgery simulator?

  That’s fine. Crisalix 3D does not require you to install or use any hardware, except a standard digital camera. So you do not need to keep space in your clinic for voluminous equipment or hardware.

• What are Crisalix 3D advantages over traditional biodimensional methods for predicting post-implant body appearance?

  Crisalix 3D main advantage over traditional biodimensional methods is being able to offer patients a 3D simulation of what their post-surgery body will look like, based on the physical properties (skin, muscle, fat tissue, etc) of their own body. These simulations take into account the surgical approach as specified by the surgeon (subglandular, submuscular or dual plane) as well as the type of implant, which can be selected from an extensive catalogue of implants available in the market today. Furthermore, Crisalix 3D allows for a fully interactive consultation, where the patient is not standing nude throughout the session, but can understand better the upcoming procedure through drawings and annotations which can be done on the 3D simulations in Crisalix 3D itself.

• Do you offer any marketing material that can help me promote my use of this 3D technology?

  Yes! In your Crisalix 3D account, you have access to an extensive Marketing Kit, which includes a wide array of marketing material such as brochures and videos for your waiting room, press releases for online and digital distribution, logos and banners for your website, a personalizable advertisement, as well as a Customizable Surgeon Website, which can be setup in just a few minutes. The Surgeon Website is fully hosted and maintained by Crisalix and is optimized for social media and search engine marketing. Furthermore, each Crisalix 3D user is entitled to be listed on the Surgeon Finder of Crisalix’s patient website, Sublimma.com

Plans, pricing & free trial

• How can I upgrade from my current package?

  You can easily upgrade to another package by simply going to the ‘Account’ section under your ‘Surgeon’s Profile’ and selecting the package you wish to upgrade to.

• How does the free trial work?

  You can sign up for a 15 day free trial, which includes 2 patients, to familiarize yourself with Crisalix 3D and the advantages it can offer, with no obligation to purchase. You will receive a comprehensive free personalized training program provided by our own Crisalix Product Specialists. Sign up for a free trial directly on Crisalix’s website.

• Can I pay for my Crisalix 3D subscription on a monthly basis?

  Yes, you certainly can. Crisalix 3D subscription plans offer all the flexibility you need, both in terms of the plans offering and whether you wish to pay for your plan on a monthly or yearly basis. Please contact our Support team for details.

• Do I have to make a high upfront payment?

  No. None of our pricing plans involve large upfront investments, namely in comparison to scanners which involve expensive hardware. Furthermore, we offer a range of pricing plans to accommodate the needs of both surgeons with frequent consultations and those with less frequent consultations. Please click here for a full list of plans and prices.

• What happens if I decide not to continue using Crisalix 3D during my free-trial? Will I be charged?

  Of course not. The free trial involves absolutely no obligation to purchase.

• I perform hundreds of breast augmentations per year; are there any packages which offer interesting prices in this case?

  Yes. We offer a variety of plans and prices which will provide you with the best value for your money, taking into account the high amount of breast augmentation surgeries you may conduct. Please click here to see all the plans and prices.

• I am just starting my private practice and don’t know how many patients for breast augmentation I will have this year; are there any packages available with single patients or limited patients per year so that I pay only for what I need?

  Certainly. Crisalix’s pricing plans accommodate the requirements of all surgeons, and can offer you an ideal solution based on the limited amount of surgeries you may have. Please click here to see all the pricing plans.

• I am a surgeon at a large clinic with several plastic surgeons. Is it possible to have a special discount for clinics?

  Definitely. Please contact our Support team, through live chat on our website or directly from your Crisalix 3D account, or send an email to support.team@crisalix.com who will be able to assist you with a competitive discount.

• My free free trial period is almost finished but I didn’t have the time to use it, what can I do?

  No problem. Please contact our Support team, through live chat on our website or directly from your Crisalix 3D account, or send an email to support.team@crisalix.com, for them to assist you.

Support & training

• What kind of training do I need to use Crisalix 3D?

  Crisalix 3D was created to offer an intuitive and easy-to-use solution for 3D simulation accessible to every surgeon, and does not require extensive IT knowledge. To help in getting started, each new user is provided with a personalized free training program by one of our Product Specialists, as well as ongoing 24/7 support in multiple languages to ensure you have everything you need to successfully integrate Crisalix 3D in your consultation.

• What technical support is available?

  Crisalix offers multilingual technical support 24 hours a day 7 days a week via Live Chat. This service is accessible from our website or directly from your Crisalix 3D account.

• Who do I contact for more information?

  None. As Crisalix 3D is a web-based solution, all updates, which include latest developments and features, are available for FREE directly in your Crisalix 3D account without you having to do anything. Furthermore, we offer free, fast and friendly client support for any question you may have or training you might require.

• What will be the maintenance, updates, and training costs?

  Crisalix’s Support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any information or assistance you may require. Should you have any questions, we invite you to connect to the Live Chat, through the Crisalix website or directly from your Crisalix 3D account if you already have one.

• I will be using Crisalix 3D for the first time in the coming days or weeks, would it be possible to have assistance during this experience?

  Of course. Simply send us message using the online form on our website or send an email to support.team@crisalix.com, indicating a date and time which would be suitable for you, and we will be happy to provide you with a free personalized tutorial.

Technical questions

My Account

• I do not remember my login/password

  No problem. Go to the sign-in page and click on ‘Forgot Password’. After entering your email you will receive further instructions by email on how to recover your password.

• What special equipment do I need to use Crisalix 3D?

  As a web-based solution, Crisalix 3D does not require any voluminous or expensive equipment. All you need is your computer or laptop and a standard digital camera.

• I do consultations in two different places. I suppose I can only use Crisalix 3D in one of them?

  Of course not. Crisalix 3D, being a web-based solution, allows you to access your account wherever you are, whenever you want. Simply connect your laptop or computer to the Internet and you will be able to access all your data and patient profiles.

• Are the pictures from my patients secured in your servers? What about confidentiality?

  As a client of Crisalix, your account is under the same security standards as those used by banks (SSL encryption) and the information and data on your account can only be accessed using your personal login details. For the integrity of all information stored on your Crisalix 3D account, Crisalix processes daily backups of all data. Furthermore, we understand the importance of and respect surgeon-patient confidentiality, which is why it is not necessary for you to indicate the patient’s name in her profile.

• Do I have to pay even if the patient finally does not proceed to the operation?

  That depends on you; you can decide whether to charge the simulation to your patient or to include it as part of your fees. We will also provide you with free marketing tools, such as, patient brochures and Crisalix 3D demo videos which are available in your ‘Marketing Kit’ in your Crisalix 3D account, helping your patients understand the advantages of using this innovative 3D simulation technology.

• I moved my clinic to another country, but I cannot change that in my profile, what can I do?

  We will help you change your profile. Please contact a member of our Support team by email to support.team@crisalix.com, via Live Chat directly from your Crisalix 3D account or through our website.

• What kinds of web browsers are compatible with Crisalix 3D?

  Crisalix 3D is compatible with all browsers, whether you are using Mac or PC. Crisalix 3D uses the 3D plug-in Unity for optimal 3D images and functionalities. Upon your first login you may be prompted to install Unity, which will take just a few seconds and can be done effortlessly.

• How do I change the language?

  There is a language selector in your “Surgeon’s Profile”. You will currently find English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Greek and Turkish. More languages will be available shortly. If you don’t find your language, please contact our Support team in order for us to accommodate your request as soon as possible.

• Do I have to pay if I am not satisfied with the reconstruction or that my patient doesn’t want to continue to the simulation?

  No. You won’t be charged unless you click ‘Yes’ to accept the reconstruction. Once the reconstruction has been accepted you will not be able to modify it.

• Do I lose the patients I have in my database once my subscription period is over?

  Definitely not. All data will be kept in our database unless you request its permanent deletion.

• Who has access to my information?

  Only you have access to your account through using your secure personal password. All data and information on your account is therefore maintained with the highest level of confidentiality.

• Is Crisalix 3D reliable, secure, and confidential? Is our data safe? Where is the data hosted?

  The information stored in our database is fully encrypted. We take all reasonable precautions to keep your data safe and secure. Our state-of-the-art server cluster is protected and has external surveillance monitoring. Only authorized personnel have access to the data center. All our servers are located in Switzerland which hassome of the highest safety and privacy requirements in the world.

• I don’t want toenter patient’s personal information such as her name, what can I do?

  We don’t need the patient’s name in order for you to generate the 3D reconstruction and simulation. In fact, to maintain patient confidentiality, we recommend not using the patient’s name. You are free to put whatever you want as the patient’s ID. For example you can use her patient number, her ID from your clinic files, or any other reference which will enable you to identify the patient.

• I got stuck in one of the steps… what can I do?

  Do not hesitate to connect with one of our Product Specialists via the online chat button at the top-right corner of your Crisalix 3D account. You will receive immediate, friendly and professional support, in order to help you continue using Crisalix 3D seamlessly.

• I found some translation mistakes in your application

  Thank you for your feedback. Kindly provide us with the details of the errors you found by email to support.team@crisalix.com, in order for us to correct them immediately.

• Does the software work on a Mac operating system?

  Yes. Crisalix 3D works on Mac operating systems.

3D Reconstruction

• Does the Crisalix 3D system identify breast asymmetry?

  Yes it does. As Crisalix 3D is purely based on scientific predictions and takes into account the physical properties of the patient’s body, the calculation system is able to identify differences in volume between the two breasts.

• Does Crisalix 3D calculate the pre-surgical breast volume?

  Yes. Prior to determining the position of the implants and completing the 3D simulation of the patient’s post-surgery body, Crisalix 3D will provide the pre-surgical volume for each breast.

• Why can I not visualize the 3D reconstruction?

  That may be because the Unity plugin for 3D images was not installed correctly on your computer. Please ensure that the Unity plugin is installed or otherwise install it again. Remember that you will need to accept the ActiveX feature in case you are using Internet Explorer; to do so check for a yellow bar at the top of the browser.

• What is the band size?

  The band size is the measurement of the thorax perimeter just below the breasts, in other words the size of the rib cage. Please note that all measurements should be entered in Crisalix 3D in centimeters.

• What is the nipple to nipple size?

  The nipple to nipple size is the linear distance between the nipples. Please note that all measurements should be entered in Crisalix 3D in centimeters.

• I get an error once I upload the photos and click on ‘Next’ and I cannot get to the bodymarks page. What can I do?

  This may be due to the format of the pictures you are trying to upload. Please ensure that the photos are in regular standard photo format, such as jpeg, tiff, png and gif. You will also need to ensure you have Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer, as this is used to upload the photos. You can download Flash Player for free in just a few seconds by clicking here.

• Do I have to be very precise when placing the bodymarks?

  The quality and precision of the reconstructed 3D model of the patient highly depends on the precision of the placement of bodymarks. For higher precision in placing the bodymarks, you can activate the zoom tool at the top-left corner of the photo. After placing all bodymarks you will be able to visualize the result, and go back to correct them again if need be. For your convenience, next to the uploaded photo, you will find comprehensive instructions on where to place the bodymarks.

• How can I get optimal 3D results for my patient?

  Optimal 3D reconstruction results, which greatly impact the 3D simulation results, are dependent on the quality of photos and precision in the positioning of bodymarks. Crisalix 3D intuitive, step-by-step approach will indicate the important aspects to take into account with both the photography and bodymark positioning. Once you and your patient are satisfied with the reconstruction, your expertise will be an important factor in determining where the implants should be positioned and what implants to select, to finally obtain optimal 3D simulation results.

• What is the difference between small, medium and rounded breasts as indicated in the Patient’s Profile?

  Generally speaking, the small, medium and rounded breasts correspond to A, B and C cup sizes.

• Why can’t I upload my pictures? It takes very long and nothing happens.

  Please make sure that your pictures are not inside other applications such as PowerPoint (*.ppt) or Word (*.doc) and that they have any of the common image file extensions, such as jpeg, tiff, png and gif.

3D Simulation

• My consultations last about 30 minutes, so I cannot spend valuable time running simulations. Does the simulation process through Crisalix 3D take a long time?

  Definitely not. We understand your need to optimize your consultation time. That is why Crisalix 3D is not only easy-to-use, it is also lightning fast! Once the 3D reconstruction of your patient’s body is complete, the simulation process is instantaneous. In fact, Crisalix 3D will help you gain time, enabling you to focus on the patient rather than looking at photos of previous patients, patient’s friends, or any other external source for that matter. Crisalix 3D can actually help you increase patient satisfaction and consult-to-surgery conversions.

• How many different 3D images can I compare?

  You can compare the ‘before’ 3D reconstruction of your patient with up to 4 ‘after’ simulations on one screen. For even higher detail, you can decide to only compare with 1, 2 or 3 ‘after’ simulations.

• Can I determine the surgical implant approach?

  Yes you can. Crisalix 3D enables you to select the implant method, between subglandular, submuscular and dual plane, to provide an even more accurate prediction of post-operative results.

• Does Crisalix 3D store 3D simulations for future use?

  Yes. Each 3D simulation in Crisalix 3D can be saved and viewed anytime at a later stage, simply by connecting to your Crisalix 3D account.

• Why does my screen freeze and go blank while uploading photos or waiting for a 3D simulation?

  Your computer may not have a recent FLASH version. Please click here and download the latest version and download the latest version.

• I don’t see my implants in the catalogue selection. What can I do?

  -Stetix’s implant catalogue includes over 4,600 implants available in the market. Should you not find a specific implant you are looking for, please send an email to support.team@crisalix.com, and we will do our utmost to include your chosen implant as soon as possible.

• I would like to place the implants in a different position, how can I do that?

  In order to move the position of the implants, all you need to do is return to the Planning section where you will be able to revise the positioning accordingly. Once you are done, click ‘Simulate’ again.

• Can I do a printout of the 3D results?

  This option is currently not available. We will soon provide a tool for printing out the 3D results. In the meantime, you can easily make a print screen. Patients should always be aware that the simulation is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a post-operative result.

• Can I save 3D results and visualize them afterwards?

  Sure, just click on the ‘Save’ button after the 3D simulation. Saved simulations will be stored in the “Saved Simulations” tab on the left side, and in the “Simulations” section of your patient’s profile. Just click on them to visualize the 3D simulations at anytime.

• Instead of selecting the implants and then doing the simulations, can Crisalix 3D provide simulations and indicate which implant was used?

  By selecting the position and diameter of the implant in the Planning section, Crisalix 3D will automatically generate 4 simulations with different size projections (low, medium, high and ultra high), helping your patient decide on implant size based on her personal preferences. The projections are to provide default simulations based on standard breast augmentations, without making reference to a specific implant.