Application of Three-Dimensional Imaging in Asian Rhinoplasty with Costal Cartilage

Li W, Liang Y, Sun Y, Xiong X, Meng X, Yi Z, Wang X.

PubMed 33432387 Publisher (DOI)

What this paper says

In 44 Asian patients randomised to 3D computer simulation or none before rib-cartilage rhinoplasty, the simulation matched the actual result well and improved satisfaction with doctor-patient communication but not satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

Overview

3D simulation is popular in China. The authors randomised 44 patients having rhinoplasty with costal cartilage into 3D-imaging and non-3D groups, surveyed aesthetic scores for preoperative, simulated and postoperative images, calculated relative nasal index scores, and surveyed satisfaction with outcomes and with communication.

Sections of note

44 patients, randomised.
Actual postoperative results were consistent with the preoperative simulation.
Satisfaction with the surgical outcome did not differ between groups.
Satisfaction with doctor-patient communication was higher in the 3D group.
Level of Evidence II.

What it means for a patient

Seeing a 3D preview helped patients feel better informed and communicated with, but did not change how happy they were with the final nose.
The preview was a reasonable predictor of the result in this series.
A simulation is a planning and consent aid, not a guarantee.

Why this paper matters

It is a randomised test of simulation's value, separating communication benefit from outcome benefit. Limits: 44 patients, single centre, simulation quality depends on the software and surgeon.

Terms

3D computer simulation: a digitally altered three-dimensional image showing the planned result.
Costal cartilage: rib cartilage, common in Asian augmentation rhinoplasty.
Nasal index: nose width divided by length, times 100.
Doctor-patient communication: the quality of explanation and shared understanding before surgery.

Summary written by rhinoplasty.cc from the abstract, 2026-09-08; not medical advice. The authors' own abstract follows.

From the abstract

“3D computer-simulated technology is becoming popular in China. Rhinoplasty with costal cartilage is a good option for Asians. However, the application of 3D imaging in Asian rhinoplasty with costal cartilage has not been systematically assessed. Objective: To analyze the effect of 3D imaging in Asian rhinoplasty with…”

Excerpt; the full abstract is on PubMed.