THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCANNING IN RHINOPLASTY AND INDIVIDUAL PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction: Three-dimensional facial scanning has been the object of study for decades and increasingly being used in rhinoplasty, and has recently been applied to surgical simulation. The patient’s perspective in this context should be explored, so that surgeons can individualize their approach. Objectives: Acess the patient’s perspective on three-dimensional scanning in rhinoplasty and their experience during the evaluation and simulation processes in preoperative consultation. Material and methods: Longitudinal, prospective and qualitative study, with the application of a questionnaire to patients who searched for rhinoplasty, during the preoperative consultation after obtaining images through 3D scanning and case simulation. Results: All participants agreed that three-dimensional scanning optimizes patient-surgeon communication; that it should become routine in the preoperative evaluation of cosmetic surgeries; and they felt more confident about the surgery after this process. None of the interviewees mentioned discomfort while obtaining the images. More than 60% were surprised by the images obtained by the three-dimensional facial scanning and by the result of the simulation. Discussion: The use of computerized imaging in the preoperative consultation transforms patients from passive listeners to active participants, who express their intentions and are involved in the discussion of the objectives of the surgery to which they will be submitted. Reservations regarding cost, additional time, and increased patient expectations must be considered. Conclusion: Three-dimensional facial scanning is an additional tool in the rhinoplasty preoperative period, bringing benefits to the communication and relationship between physicians and patients.