Better Planning for Jaw Surgery to Improve Facial Appearance
Outcome-Driven Approach to Minimize the Risks of Facial Distortion Following CMF Surgery
This work aims to create a much better way to plan jaw surgeries, helping patients with jaw deformities achieve more predictable and pleasing facial results.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144247 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When patients have jaw deformities, surgery can reposition the jaw bones to improve their bite and facial appearance. While surgeons can precisely move the bones, predicting exactly how the soft tissues of the face will change afterward is currently very difficult. This project is developing advanced computer tools and 3D printing techniques to accurately foresee these facial changes before surgery. This will allow surgeons to plan more effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for your facial appearance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with jaw deformities who are considering or undergoing orthognathic surgery.
Not a fit: Patients without jaw deformities or those not undergoing orthognathic surgery would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more predictable and aesthetically pleasing facial outcomes for patients undergoing jaw surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While current surgical planning methods are effective for bone movement, this work addresses a known limitation in accurately predicting soft tissue facial changes, representing a novel improvement.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gateno, Jaime — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Gateno, Jaime
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.