CAD-CAM-assisted esthetic facial surgery

Abstract

Purpose: This report describes a fully digital workflow for computer-assisted esthetic facial surgery planning and guidance.

Material and methods: Using optical scans, virtual surgery is performed according to the 3-dimensional cephalometric results. Next, surgical templates are generated using rapid prototyping. These templates act as a guide during surgery.

Results: The workflow has been tested successfully in 4 esthetic facial surgical procedures (rhinoplasty and genioplasty). In addition to surgical assistance, the advantages of the workflow include the possibility of discussing the treatment plan interactively with the patient and comparing and measuring simulation surgery with the actual outcome. As an additional benefit, the appropriate size of the alloplastic implants can be determined preoperatively.

Conclusions: Templates could improve special procedures in esthetic facial surgery.