Resumen

Objectives: 1. Describe the use of a 3D surface scanner in facial surgery. 2. Discuss the indications of using 3D surface scanner in facial surgery and its advantages: 2.1. Facial analysis: assessment of dentofacial deformities. 2.2 Facial reconstruction: creation of customized anatomical models. 2.3 Scanning of preformed prosthetic elements. 3. Case presentation: Auricular reconstruction. Introduction: Advances in 3D technology have enabled significant progress in diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in surgery. This is especially noticeable in facial surgery where the precision required is very high in all cases. Until now we relied on radiological imaging: CT and MRI and digital photography. Advances in radiological imaging have allowed us to render 3D rendering of bone parts but not at the soft tissue level. The use of the surface scanner provides a solution to this deficit. Although current applications are limited, its results are already remarkable. Materials / method: During the diagnostic stage: they allow advanced facial analysis, their integration with specific software allows anthropometric measurements to be taken and volumes to be measured. During the treatment stage: in the pre-surgical preparation, with the possibility of scanning facial structures, especially the ears and nose, to allow the printing of 3D patient customized models. As a complementary use, it allows the scanning of prosthetic elements to check their adjustment and allow surgical navigation during surgery. During the follow-up stage: allows pre- and post-treatment comparison. Results: We present the use of this technology and its application in a case of auricular reconstruction due to microtia. The steps of the process are described step by step: - Diagnostic: Scanning of the contralateral ear in the patient, data processing, creation of the mirror model and printing of the 3D model. - Therapeutic: Use of the printed model during intra-operative carving of the autogenous cartilage framework. The use of this technology allows to be more precise in the creation of the ear, with exact anatomical characteristics of the contralateral ear and reduces the surgical time. Conclusion: The application of surface scanning in facial surgery is already providing important advantages in all phases of treatment: diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up. The main advantages are to increase surgical precision and to offer patient customized results, bringing our clinical practice closer to the highest standards of personalized medicine.