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Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
Published on: December 9, 2025
342
Three-dimensional changes in nose and upper lip volume after orthognathic surgery
B van Loon1, N van Heerbeek2, F Bierenbroodspot3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; 3D Facial Imaging Research Group Nijmegen-Bruges, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|September 15, 2014
Summary
Orthognathic surgery alters nose and lip appearance. This study used 3D imaging to show how maxillary movements in orthognathic surgery impact nasal width and upper lip volume.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Orthognathic surgery corrects malocclusion, improving facial function and aesthetics.
- Maxillomandibular complex movements significantly affect overlying soft tissues, particularly the nose and lips.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate soft tissue changes in the nasal region and upper lip following orthognathic surgery.
- To analyze the influence of maxillary movements on nasal and upper lip morphology using combined imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a combination of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D stereophotogrammetry.
- Included patients undergoing Le Fort I osteotomy, with or without bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.
- Performed 3D measurements on pre- and postoperative combined datasets.
Main Results:
- Anterior translation and clockwise pitching of the maxilla significantly increased upper lip volume.
- Cranial translation of the maxilla resulted in increased alar width.
- Demonstrated a correlation between specific maxillary movements and soft tissue changes.
Conclusions:
- Combined CBCT and 3D stereophotogrammetry effectively analyze hard and soft tissue changes in orthognathic surgery.
- Maxillary movements have predictable effects on nasal and upper lip aesthetics.
- This methodology aids in understanding and predicting soft tissue responses to surgical interventions.
