CAPS (Computer-Aided Plastic Surgery) is a prototype computer program
that uses a three-dimensional graphic model of a human face and incorp
orates a finite-element mathematical model of the physical properties
of the soft tissue. This program can estimate the biomechanic conseque
nces of ablation and rearrangement of tissue. The results of two hypot
hetical surgeries on the face are presented. A surgeon could use this
program as a sketch pad to predict and compare the outcome of facial p
lastic procedures on a patient-specific model. The relation of this pr
ogram to previous work is discussed, and directions for research and p
ossible applications are addressed.