CT Scans Improve Results of Facial Reconstruction

December 1, 2006
New research indicates that advanced scanning technology could help create better, natural-looking and feeling implants for patients suffering from facial deformities.

According to the study, published in the journal Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, newer, more improved CT scan models use high-resolution technology to produce acrylic facial implants that can help enhance the results of facial reconstruction surgery.

These implants work especially well in patients with serious eye and facial malformations. Furthermore, the results of the preliminary study involving nine patients, found that the implants last for a long duration of time with no complications.

Eye and facial abnormalities can be congenital or the result of a medical procedure or accident. The implants currently being used in reconstruction surgery are made out of synthetic materials or the patient's own tissue and bone.

However, these implants are typically shaped during the procedure and fall short of recreating the ideal three-dimensional contours present in the patient's face.

Researchers at the Jules Stein Institute in Los Angeles investigated using three-dimensional, high-tech CT scanning of the face to make individualized acrylic implants for nine participants in the study.

Throughout an average 4.3 years of follow-up, zero of the nine participants experienced any serious complications such as displacement of the implant, extrusion (forced out), or infection.

“All of the patients demonstrated long-term sustained improvement of facial deformities,” wrote the study authors.

Considering Reconstruction Surgery? Please contact us today to set up a consultation with a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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