Three-dimensional visualization of the human face using DICOM data and its application to facial contouring surgery using free anterolateral thigh flap transfer

Summary One of the main challenges faced by surgeons performing reconstructive surgery in cases of facial asymmetry due to hemifacial atrophy or tumor surgery is the restoration of the natural contour of the face. Soft-tissue augmentation using free-flap transfer is one of the most commonly used methods for facial reconstruction. The most important part of a successful reconstruction is the preoperative assessment of the volume, position, and shape of the flap to be transplanted. This study focuses on three cases of facial deformity due to hemifacial progressive atrophy or tumor excision. For the preoperative assessment, digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data obtained from computed tomography was used and applied to a three-dimensional (3D) picture software program (ZedView, LEXI, Tokyo, Japan). Using computer simulation, a mirror image of the unaffected side of the face was applied to the affected side, and 3D visualization was performed. Using this procedure, a postoperative image of the face and precise shape, position, and amount of the flap that was going to be transferred was simulated preoperatively. In all cases, the postoperative shape of the face was acceptable, and a natural shape of the face could be obtained. Preoperative 3D visualization using computer simulation was helpful for estimating the reconstructive procedure and postoperative shape of the face. Using free-flap transfer, this procedure facilitates the natural shape after reconstruction of the face in facial contouring surgery.