3D mechanical modeling of facial soft tissue for surgery simulation.

State of the art medical image acquisition, image analysis procedures and numerical calculation techniques are used to realize a computer model of the face capable of realistically represent the force-deformation characteristics of soft tissue. The model includes a representation of the superficial layers of the face (skin, superficial musculoaponeurotic system, fat), and most facial muscles. The whole procedure is illustrated for determining geometrical information, assigning mechanical properties to each soft tissue represented in the model, and validating model predictions based on a comparison with experimental observations. The capabilities, limitations and possible future use of this approach are discussed.