Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026

08:01
Designing CAD/CAM Surgical Guides for Maxillary Reconstruction Using an In-house Approach
Published on: August 24, 2018
CAD-CAM-assisted esthetic facial surgery
Thomas Hierl1, Steffen Arnold, Daniel Kruber
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany. hiet@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Summary
A new digital workflow for computer-assisted esthetic facial surgery planning and guidance was successfully tested. This innovative approach utilizes surgical templates for improved accuracy in procedures like rhinoplasty and genioplasty.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Computer-Aided Surgery
Background:
- Traditional esthetic facial surgery planning can be complex.
- Digital workflows offer potential for enhanced precision and patient communication.
Observation:
- A fully digital workflow integrating optical scans and 3D cephalometry was developed.
- Virtual surgery was performed, followed by rapid prototyping of surgical templates.
- The workflow was successfully applied to four cases of rhinoplasty and genioplasty.
Findings:
- Surgical templates provided guidance during esthetic facial procedures.
- The digital workflow facilitated interactive patient treatment plan discussions.
- Preoperative simulation outcomes could be compared with actual surgical results.
- Accurate sizing of alloplastic implants was achievable preoperatively.
Implications:
- This digital workflow can enhance precision in esthetic facial surgery.
- It offers improved patient engagement through interactive treatment planning.
- The method allows for objective assessment of surgical simulation versus actual outcomes.
- Surgical templates show promise for improving specialized esthetic facial procedures.

