Three-dimensional imaging in measuring facial aesthetic outcomes.

Abstract

Medical imaging techniques have continually improved. However, measuring esthetic outcomes using conventional two-dimensional photography has inherent limitations visualizing in three dimensions such as the face. This study used three-dimensional imaging to visualize facial images preoperatively and postoperatively in patients undergoing Contour threadlift procedures. In patients undergoing Contour threadlift placement for midfacial rejuvenation, we prospectively imaged and photographed patients preoperatively and postoperatively. From three-dimensional images, we measured three-axis vector movement of the facial soft tissue in millimeters. Three control subjects (n = 6, bilateral sides) who had not undergone any procedure were a control group to confirm stability of the images over time. Patients also completed a questionnaire regarding their results and overall experience. We studied 6 (n = 12, bilateral procedures) undergoing Contour thread placement. Analyzed images revealed a trend of midface soft tissue flattening of nasolabial contour over 3 months. Average nasolabial flattening or tightening was 2.3 mm (P > .05) in the Contour patient group. The flattening of the midfacial region returned to baseline postprocedure at 90 days. Three-dimensional imaging for the control subjects demonstrate less than 0.2 mm change (P < .05) in the nasolabial region weekly over a period of 3 weeks. After 3 months, patients undergoing Contour thread placement had three-dimensional imaging measurements suggesting a return to baseline values. Three-dimensional imaging may increase accuracy in quantifying change after surgery specifically with contour differences; film and digital photography capture in only two dimensions. The use of three-dimensional imaging may be applicable to numerous clinical settings.