title: Laser surface scanning analysis in reconstructive rhytidectomy.
abstract: The implementation of laser surface scanning to assess facial symmetry after unilateral face-lift procedures used to reconstruct defects after skin tumor resection is presented. Six patients who had undergone defect reconstruction with a flap raised from the subcutaneous plane were included in the study. Immediate postoperative photographic evaluation confirmed facial asymmetry because of unilateral skin tension. After a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, photographic and laser surface scanning analysis showed restored facial symmetry. In conclusion, laser surface scanning is a promising technology for objectifying results obtained and could be implemented for evaluation of the immediate and long-term effects from rhytidectomy procedures. Subcutaneous flaps without duplication or resection of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system are ideal for unilateral procedures because facial symmetry is restored after 1 year.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Reto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wettstein
authors.forename: Daniel F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Kalbermatten
authors.forename: Ulrich M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schumacher
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dagorov
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pierer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D005146:Facial Asymmetry; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors