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Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
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Variation of the face in rest using 3D stereophotogrammetry
T J J Maal1, L M Verhamme, B van Loon
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen, Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. T.Maal@mka.umcn.nl
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) facial photographs show minimal variation when a patient is at rest, ensuring accurate treatment outcome evaluation in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This consistency allows for reliable clinical follow-up and assessment.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Facial Anatomy
Background:
- Accurate evaluation of treatment outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery relies on consistent pre- and post-treatment three-dimensional (3D) facial photographs.
- Maintaining a consistent facial expression, specifically a relaxed 'face at rest,' is crucial for the reliability of 3D photographic assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the variations in the 'face at rest' using 3D photography.
- To determine the reproducibility of 3D facial captures for clinical evaluation in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Main Methods:
- Acquired 100 3D photographs of an individual at different times, with and without a wax bite to standardize occlusion.
- Analyzed variations in facial regions, considering the influence of time and the use of a wax bite.
Main Results:
- A mean variation of 0.25 mm was observed in the 'face at rest' across all photographs.
- Minimal differences were found between different time points and with or without wax bite usage.
- The mouth and eye regions exhibited the largest variations, while the nose and forehead showed smaller variations.
Conclusions:
- The 'face at rest' demonstrates minimal variation, supporting the accuracy and reproducibility of 3D facial photography.
- 3D photographs can be reliably reproduced in a clinical setting for treatment follow-up and outcome evaluation in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
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