3D Imaging and Facial Reconstruction

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2026) | Viewed by 2727

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Department of Surgery, Helios Clinic, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstr 40, 42283 Wuppertal, Germany
Interests: microsurgery; skin cancer; medical image processing; wound healing; healthcare management; scientific writing
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The landscape of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in 3D imaging technologies. This Special Issue aims to bring together cutting-edge research and clinical insights that showcase how 3D imaging is revolutionizing the field. From preoperative planning and patient consultations to intraoperative navigation and postoperative assessment, 3D imaging provides unparalleled precision and personalized care.

We invite submissions that explore the diverse applications of 3D imaging in facial plastic surgery, including but not limited to, virtual surgical planning, custom implant design, and outcome prediction. Studies highlighting innovative techniques, case reports, and reviews on the integration of 3D imaging with other emerging technologies are particularly welcome.

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of 3D imaging in facial reconstruction, fostering a deeper understanding among clinicians, researchers, and educators. By sharing these advancements, we aim to enhance surgical outcomes, improve patient satisfaction, and push the boundaries of what is possible in facial plastic surgery.

We look forward to your contributions to this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

Dr. Marios Papadakis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • 3D imaging
  • facial plastic surgery
  • reconstructive surgery
  • virtual surgical planning
  • custom implants
  • preoperative planning
  • intraoperative navigation

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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12 pages, 3795 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Stress Distribution in “All-on-Four” Prostheses: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
by Eduardo Francisco de Souza Faco, Andressa Paschoal Amoroso, Flávia Priscila Pereira, Luana Ferreira Oliveira, Leandro Lécio de Lima Sousa, André Luis da Silva Fabris, Idelmo Rangel Garcia Junior, José Vitor Quinelli Mazaro and Osvaldo Magro Filho
Life 2026, 16(7), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16071128 - 7 Jul 2026
Abstract
The growing demand for implant-supported rehabilitative prosthetic treatments has reinforced the need to optimize biomechanical performance, particularly regarding force distribution. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution generated by different configurations of full-arch implant-supported prostheses using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Two mandibular [...] Read more.
The growing demand for implant-supported rehabilitative prosthetic treatments has reinforced the need to optimize biomechanical performance, particularly regarding force distribution. This study aimed to evaluate the stress distribution generated by different configurations of full-arch implant-supported prostheses using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Two mandibular models were created using SolidWorks 2010 (SolidWorks Corp., Waltham, MA, USA) and Rhinoceros® 3D 4.0 (NURBS Modeling for Windows, USA). Each model represented a mandible restored with a full-arch fixed prosthesis supported by external hex implants (4.0 × 13.0 mm; Master, Conexão Sistemas de Prótese, São Paulo, Brazil) placed in the interforaminal region, differing only in implant angulation. Model 1 included four implants positioned perpendicular to the alveolar ridge, whereas Model 2 represented the All-on-Four configuration with distal implants tilted at 30°. The prosthesis was modeled in acrylic resin with a NiCr metal framework. The geometries were exported to FEMAP 11.0 for mesh generation. Axial loading of 300 N was applied bilaterally (75 N per tooth), and oblique loading of 150 N was applied unilaterally (75 N per tooth) on the first premolars and first molars. Obtained using NEiNastran® 9.2 showed that the tilted-implant model exhibited higher stress concentrations under both loading conditions. The All-on-Four configuration generated the highest stress levels, particularly around the distal implants. The null hypothesis of this study was that there would be no difference in stress distribution among full-arch implant-supported prostheses supported by straight implants and those rehabilitated according to the All-on-Four concept with tilted distal implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Imaging and Facial Reconstruction)
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10 pages, 3502 KB  
Case Report
Volumetric Analysis of Navigation-Guided Orbital Decompression in Graves’ Orbitopathy: A Case Report
by Gonzalo Ruiz-de-Leon, Santiago Ochandiano, Sara Alvarez-Mokthari, Marta Benito-Anguita, Ismael Nieva-Pascual, Pilar Cifuentes-Canorea, Guillermo Sanjuan-de-Moreta, Jose-Ignacio Salmeron, Ignacio Navarro-Cuellar, Carlos Navarro-Cuellar and Manuel Tousidonis
Life 2025, 15(8), 1277; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081277 - 12 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that may require surgical orbital decompression in severe cases with risk of proptosis and optic neuropathy. This report presents a case treated with navigation-assisted three-wall orbital decompression, planned with preoperative imaging and assessed using postoperative [...] Read more.
Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that may require surgical orbital decompression in severe cases with risk of proptosis and optic neuropathy. This report presents a case treated with navigation-assisted three-wall orbital decompression, planned with preoperative imaging and assessed using postoperative analysis. Intraoperative navigation enabled precise localization of critical structures, improving osteotomy execution. Postoperatively, orbital volume increased by 3.5 cm3 (right eye) and 4.0 cm3 (left eye), while proptosis was reduced by 6 mm in both eyes. These changes correlated with intraocular pressure normalization and functional improvement. This was further supported by a postoperative Clinical Activity Score (CAS) of 0, indicating active orbital inflammation. Image-guided surgery (IGS) achieved an average proptosis reduction of 3.8 mm, slightly superior to that of non-guided techniques. Although IGS enhances precision and functional outcomes, it requires longer surgical time and incurs higher costs, highlighting the need for prospective studies on long-term efficacy This case supports the importance of integrating advanced imaging and navigation-assisted techniques in GO management to improve both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Imaging and Facial Reconstruction)
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