Paradigm Shift in Rhinoplasty with Virtual 3D Surgery Software and 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

Most Asians have a nose with a short columella and a low dorsum; augmentation rhinoplasty using implants is commonly performed in Asian countries to achieve a taller and more well-defined nasal dorsum. However, the current knowledge is insufficient to fully understand the various subjective desires of patients, reflect on them during surgery, or to objectively analyze the results after surgery. Advances in digital imaging technologies, such as 3D printing and 3D scanning, have transformed the medical system from hospital-centric to patient-centric throughout the medical field. In this study, we applied these techniques to rhinoplasty. First, we used virtual 3D plastic surgery software to enable surgical planning through objectified numerical calculations based on the visualized data of the patient's medical images rather than simple virtual plastic surgery. Second, the customized nasal implant was manufactured by reflecting the patient's anatomical shape and virtual 3D plastic surgery data. Taken together, we describe the surgical results of applying these rhinoplasty solutions in four patients. Our experience indicates that high fidelity and patient satisfaction can be achieved by applying these techniques.