Shape your own beauty through customized facial plastic surgery!
With the popularization and maturation of facial cosmetic surgery, beauty-seeking customers’ demands regarding the effects achieved through aesthetic surgery have also continuously increased. It is evident that the previous common produced-style results do not satisfy the high end population who prefer to create their own unique styles. AI technology has also helped to revolutionize the future of facial plastic surgery. Highly customized prosthetic implants obtained through computed tomography (CT) scans combined with 3D printing technology can not only be applied on the patient’s facial bones without experiencing any foreign body sensations, but have also elevated surgery safety and satisfaction to another level. If you want to achieve a unique appearance and create your own beauty style, we recommend 3D printed facial prostheses which could be the ultimate solution in your pursuit of perfection!
What is 3D customized facial plastic surgery?
In terms of 3D customized facial plastic surgery, it involves the original design of facial implants which conform to an individual’s physiology based on facial CT scan. After repeat confirming the patient’s expectations on the CT images, a unique facial prosthesis is going to be produced specially using 3D printing technology. As soon as we receive the individualized implant from the medical manufacture, you will be arranged to receive the real surgery performed by Dr. Chuang to achieve the result which is practically identical to the expected appearance determined prior to surgery.
How is 3D customized facial surgery performed?
First, the customer must visit our clinic for a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Chuang so as to gain an understanding of the surgical procedure. After both parties have discussed and confirmed the surgery, we will arrange for you to attend a specialized CT imaging center to undergo a CT scan of the facial bones. After the CT examinations, Dr. Chuang will communicate with the manufacturer to design a suitable modification protocol based on your CT images. When obtaining the model design scheme, we will inform you to visit our clinic again to view the simulated images and confirm your requirements. Finally, the manufacturer will produce your customized facial prosthesis according to our last confirmation. After another 2-3 weeks of waiting, you will be scheduled to receive your 3D customized facial prosthesis surgery.
3D customized facial prosthesis options
Currently, we offers the following two types of customized 3D printed facial rostheses for customers to select from based on their needs：
FiTme silicone prosthesis
This is a 3D printed silicone prosthesis produced by Korean company FiTme. The company offers customization of a wide range of different facial prostheses, which includes nasal implant for rhinoplasty, para-nasal implants for correction of nasolabial folds, and forehead implants, temporal implants, cheek bone implants, mandibular implants, and other special facial prostheses which can be addressed to peoduce. It has numerous advantages, including soft silicone that does not have foreign body sensation, and the completely adhesion on the bone surface without easily detaching. This solves problems such as poor fit of regular facial implants which could be the main cause of foreign body displacement or contracture after long term of implantation. Moreover, 3D printed silicone prostheses do not require much modification in the operation, thereby shortening the operating time and even reducing the risk of infection. The disadvantages of this surgery are that silicone materials still have some chances of developing biocompatible or calcification problems. If the recovery is smooth, the surgical results are permanent and there is no need to replace the prosthesis in the future.
Comparison of the FiTme 3D customized silicone prosthesis with a regular silicone prosthesis
| FiTme 3D customized silicone | Regular silicone | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing model | Custom-made based on personal measurements and CT scan | Mass produced in various size and shape |
| Production process | 0.1 mm precision production via 3D printing technology | Fixed mold production |
| Application sites | Nasal bridge, chin bone, nasolabial folds, the pre-malar areas (apple cheeks), zygomatic bone, frontal bone, temporal fossa, mandible, orbital ridge, or any parts which can be customized | Nasal bridge, chin bone, the pre-malar areas, frontal bone, temporal fossa, mandible |
| Prosthesis dimensions | Unrestricted size and shape | Standard sizes available for selection |
| Plane of surgery | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation |
| Operating time | Short | Relatively long |
| Silicone type | From soft to hard silicone available | Only soft silicone available |
| Prosthesis fit | Perfect bone attachment | Poor close-fitting to the bone |
| Intraoperative prosthesis modification | Not required | Required |
| Postoperative recovery | Fast | Relatively slow |
| Prosthesis displacement or movement | None | Possible |
| Prosthesis contracture | Extremely low likelihood | Possible |
| Surgical results | Permanent | Permanent |
Comparison of FiTme 3D customized silicone implant and Medpor implant
| FiTme 3D customized silicone | Medpor | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicone | High-density polyethylene (PHDPE) |
| Contact surface | Smooth | Porous |
| Dimensions | Unrestricted, fully customized | Standard sizes |
| Tactile sensation | Soft to hard | Solid |
| Application sites | Nasal bridge, chin bone, nasolabial folds, the pre-malar areas, zygomatic bone, frontal bone, temporal fossa, mandible, orbital ridge, or can be customized for other particular sites | Chin bone, nasolabial folds, zygomatic bone, orbital bone, mandible, nasal bridge |
| Biocompatibility | Good | Extremely good |
| Prosthesis fit | Extremely good | Relatively poor |
| Plane of surgery | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation |
| Surgical complexity | Easy | Relatively difficult |
| Operating time | Short | Relatively long |
| Intraoperative prosthesis modification | Not required | Required |
| Prosthesis fixation | Fitted naturally or fixed using titanium screws | Fixed using titanium screws |
| Prosthesis removal | Easy | Difficult |
| Surgical results | Permanent | Permanent |
| Customization of design | Possible | Very little |
| Cost of customization | High | Extremely high |
PEEK (Artificial bone)
This is the latest revolutionary material used in the field of facial plastic surgery. The implant is formed by high-performance polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) for medical use. Due to its extremely high biocompatibility, extremely low tissue rejection rate, and excellent bone-like hardness, it has previously been used in the field of neurosurgery like skull repair. In recent years, this material has been combined with AI 3D printing technology to develop numerous highly customized craniofacial reconstruction and facial plastic surgery pieces. In particular, PEEK is extremely suitable for intervention in sites that require bone hardness or skeletal support, such as the brow bone, forehead bone, skull bone, zygomatic bone, orbital bone, mandible, or mid-face deficiency. The manufacturer can even customize the material to create special implants for traumatic facial reconstruction. In terms of biocompatibility, PEEK can become the ideal facial implant that has a density and hardness most similar to bone. The advantages of this artificial bone are that the material is extremely similar to the features of human bone, is almost indistinguishable after implantation, has a high degree of flexibility in modification to achieve the fine adjustment of asymmetry, and has an extremely low probability of tissue rejection and infection. Its disadvantages are the high degree of hardness, and so there may be a more pronounced foreign body contour or stiff feeling if the implantation is excessive or out of proportion. Therefore, the surgeon’s aesthetic sense and experience are extremely important.
PEEK customization process similarly involves an initial consultation, 3D CT scan, design of prosthesis model by the physicians, and confirmation of the prosthesis specifications with the patient in a follow-up visit. This is followed by waiting 2-3 weeks for prosthesis production before the patient returns to the clinic to receive the real facial implant surgery.
Comparison of customized 3D printed prostheses
| FiTme silicone | PEEK | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Medical grade soft/hard silicone | Medical grade high performance polyetheretherketone |
| Production process | 3D printing technology | 3D printing technology |
| Application sites | Rhinoplasty, chin, nasolabial folds, forehead, temples, mid-cheeks, mandible | Brow bone, frontal bone, chin, posterior skull, zygomatic bone, mandible, nasolabial folds, orbital bone, and traumatic facial bone reconstruction |
| Tactile sensation | Soft to hard | Solid |
| Type of anesthesia | Local anesthesia or IV sedation | IV Sedation or general anesthesia |
| Operating time | Short | Short |
| Fixation method | Subperiosteal adhesion | Fixation using titanium screws |
| Implant edge or gap | None | None |
| Impact resistance | Subperiosteal adhesion | Extremely high |
| Infection rate | Extremely low likelihood | Extremely low likelihood |
| Probability of displacement | Extremely low likelihood | None |
| Prosthesis revision method | Removal and shaping of original prosthesis before re-implantation | Shaving of original prosthesis without removal and re-implantation of prosthesis |
| Usage duration | Permanent | Permanent |
Comparison of PEEK and Medpor implant
| PEEK | Medpor | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) | High-density polyethylene (PHDPE) |
| Surface characteristic | Smooth | Porous |
| Dimensions | Unrestricted, fully customized | Standard sizes |
| Tactile sensation | Solid | Solid |
| Application sites | Brow bone, chin bone, orbital bone, nasolabial folds, zygomatic bone, frontal bone, temples,mandible, posterior skull, or customized for other special sites | Chin bone, nasolabial folds, zygomatic bone, orbital bone, mandible, nasal bone |
| Biocompatibility | Extremely good | Good |
| Prosthesis fit | Extremely good | Relatively poor |
| Implant edge or gap | None | Possible |
| Plane of surgery | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation | Subperiosteal dissection and implantation |
| Operating time | Short | Relatively long |
| Intraoperative prosthesis modification | Can be shaved | Difficult in shaving |
| Fine-tuning of symmetry | Possible | Difficult |
| Prosthesis fixation | Fixed using titanium screws | Fixed using titanium screws |
| Surgical results | Permanent | Permanent |
| Customization of design | Possible | Very little |
| Craniofacial reconstruction over a large scale | Possible | Not possible |
What is the difference between a 3D customized prosthesis and other facial prostheses?
At present, there are a variety of facial implants used in the facial plastic surgery like silicone, Goretex, Silitex (silicone+Goretex, also known as Chimera), and Medpor. These types of prostheses share the benefits of being mass produced, easy to obtain, and having low material costs, which are then reflected in lower surgery prices. However, they have the common disadvantages of fixed styles and a limited selection of sizes or shapes. Physicians must conduct repeated prosthesis modifications by themselves in the operation to make a proper prosthesis that is suitable for the individual structures. This maneuver causes prosthesis fit to differ between individuals, prolongs the operating time, and possible results in a higher risk of infection. In addition, not every patient who use these implants can achieve a satisfied result that matches their expectations exactly. Therefore, the postoperative dissatisfaction and revision chance could be high.
Next-generation 3D printed prostheses, such as FiTme silicone or PEEK prosthesis, are all customized to patient’s requirements based on discussions between the physician and patient. This not only helps to achieve a perfect fit between the prosthesis and the individual’s skeleton without any gap at the join, but because the prosthesis appearance based on CT imagery is confirmed before surgery, the prosthesis can therefore fully meet the customer’s expectations. Major facial transformation based on the patient’s special requirements can also be made as a result of this process! In addition, as the prosthesis is performed a 3D printed prosthesis, it can be completely attached to the bone without any intraoperative modifications. This not only shortens the length of surgery and decreases the risk of infection but also greatly decreases postoperative swelling and the recovery period. The only shortcomings of these implants are the 2-3 week waiting period for the production and higher surgical fees.
Comparison of different facial implant prostheses
| PEEK | FiTme silicone | Medpor | Sili-tex Goretex) | Traditional silicone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material composition | Medical grade Polyether-ether-ketone | Medical grade soft/hard silicone | Medical grade porous polyethylene | Medical grade silicone+Goretex | Medical grade soft silicone |
| Product dimensions | No restrictions | No restrictions | Standard sizes | Standard sizes | Standard sizes |
| Product shape | Customized | Customized | Fixed shape | Fixed shape | Fixed shape |
| Product hardness | Solid | Soft/hard | Solid | Hard | Soft |
| Biocompatibility | Extremely high | High | High | High | Relatively low |
| Probability of rejection | None | Low | Extremely low | Low | Low |
| Prosthesis modification | Not required | Not required | Required | Required | Required |
| Prosthesis fit | Extremely good | Extremely good | Relatively low | Relatively low | Relatively low |
| Fixation method | Fixation using titanium screws | Natural subperiosteal adhesion | Fixation using titanium screws | Natural subperiosteal adhesion | Natural subperiosteal adhesion |
| Prosthesis revision | Shaving at original implant without removal of impant | Removal and re-implantation | Removal and re-implantation | Removal and re-implantation | Removal and re-implantation |
| Applicationsites | Brow bone, frontal bone, orbital bone, zygomatic bone, mandible, chin bone, nasolabial folds, posterior skull, whole face reconstruction and FtM transformation (facial masculinization) | Nasal bone, chin bone, frontal bone, zygomatic bone, mandible, nasolabial folds | Zygomatic bone, mandible, chin bone, nasolabial folds | Nasal bone, zygomatic bone, nasolabial folds | Nasal bone, chin bone, frontal bone, zygomatic bone, mandible, nasolabial folds |
| Foreign body sensation | Extremely low | Low | Possible | Low | Low |
| Risk of infection | Extremely low | Low | Low | Slightly high | Low |
| Usage duration | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Removal difficulty | Easy | Easy | Relatively difficult | Easy | Easy |
| Surgery cost | Highest | Relatively high | Moderate | Moderate | Cheapest |
Who is 3D customized facial surgery suitable for?
The diverse variety of standard facial prostheses available in today’s market could satisfy the needs of over 80% of customers. When combined with Dr. Chuang’s aesthetic concept and fine surgical skills, our customer satisfaction is far above average. However, for those with high demands for their appearance or for patients who require repeated readjustments, it is important to know that the selected type of prosthesis can satisfy their requirements prior to surgery, even for minor surgical procedures. Therefore, we believe that the 3D customized facial surgery will be suitable for the following customers:
Regardless of the type of facial prosthesis selected by the customer, the plastic surgeon must perform implantation in a careful and skilled manner in order to complete the final piece of the puzzle. Moreover, different 3D customized prostheses have different characteristics and indications of use, so it is necessary for physicians with extensive experience and beauty of sense to make the appropriate recommendations and plans to achieve results that are the best value for money. We welcome customers who are interested in this surgery to come for a face-to-face consultation and assessment with Dr. Chuang in order to make the most suitable decision!
3D customized facial surgery appointment booking hotline: 02-27769306 / 27762360
24-Hour customer service Line: @wishclinic