Our Summary

This article discusses the use of new digital technology in facial bone contouring surgery, a procedure where surgeons reshape the facial bones to improve appearance. The authors have found that using this technology can make surgeries more accurate, reduce the time spent in surgery, and lessen the amount of bleeding during the procedure.

The technology includes precise pre-surgery design, which helps plan the procedure more accurately, and augmented reality, which blends the digital and real world to help surgeons better visualize the procedure. The article also mentions the potential for robot-assisted surgery in facial contouring.

In the future, combining this technology with soft tissue contouring surgery (reshaping of the face’s soft tissues like muscles and skin) could make these procedures even safer and more effective.

FAQs

  1. How does the use of digital technology improve craniofacial surgery procedures?
  2. What are some of the benefits of using augmented reality and robot-assisted surgical technology in facial bone contouring surgery?
  3. How can pre-operative design reduce operative time and bleeding during craniofacial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about craniofacial surgery is to discuss the use of new digital technology, such as computer-assisted surgery and 3D printing, to ensure precise pre-operative planning and enhance surgical accuracy. This new technology can help reduce operative time, minimize bleeding during surgery, and improve overall satisfaction with the results. Patients should inquire about the use of these advanced techniques with their surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome for their craniofacial surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended craniofacial surgery are those who have congenital abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, or craniofacial microsomia. Patients who have suffered traumatic injuries to the face, such as fractures or disfigurement, may also benefit from craniofacial surgery. Additionally, individuals with facial asymmetry, abnormalities in the jaw or chin, or other aesthetic concerns may be candidates for craniofacial surgery to improve their appearance and function.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  1. Patient consultation and evaluation with a plastic surgeon or craniofacial surgeon to discuss the desired outcome and assess the feasibility of the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative imaging such as CT scans or MRI to create a three-dimensional model of the patient’s facial structure.
  3. Virtual planning and design of the surgical procedure using computer-assisted software to determine the optimal surgical approach and outcomes.
  4. Creation of a digital osteotomy template to guide the surgical incisions and bone reshaping during the procedure.

After craniofacial surgery:

  1. Recovery period in the hospital or surgical facility, with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any post-operative concerns.
  3. Physical therapy or speech therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and rehabilitation.
  4. Long-term follow-up to assess the results of the surgery and address any potential complications or revisions that may be needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?

  2. How long is the recovery period after craniofacial surgery and what can I expect during the recovery process?

  3. Can you provide me with information about your experience and success rate with craniofacial surgery procedures?

  4. How will the surgery affect my facial appearance, both immediately after the procedure and in the long term?

  5. Will I need additional treatments or follow-up procedures after the initial surgery?

  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and what are the potential side effects?

  7. How will the surgery impact my ability to chew, speak, and breathe?

  8. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results to craniofacial surgery?

  9. How long will the results of the surgery last and are there any factors that could affect the longevity of the results?

  10. What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Lin L, Han W, Sun M, Kim BS, Chen X, Aung ZM, Zhang Z, Zhou Y, Yang X, Chai G, Xu H. Journal: Clin Plast Surg. 2023 Jan;50(1):71-80. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2022.08.002. PMID: 36396263