Virtual Surgical Planning Gains Ground in Maxillofacial Procedures

Virtual surgical planning (VSP) is becoming a mainstay in oral and maxillofacial surgery, offering improved precision, shorter operative times, and more predictable patient outcomes. Increasingly used for procedures such as genioplasty and orthognathic surgery, VSP combines digital imaging with computer-assisted simulation to map skeletal movements and optimize preoperative strategy.

The technology enables the creation of patient-specific surgical guides and osteotomy templates, improving accuracy while minimizing soft tissue trauma. These improvements may contribute to faster recovery times and reduced intraoperative variability.

“Virtual surgical planning enables a level of control and predictability that transforms the surgical experience for patients and surgeons alike,” Los Angeles oral and maxillofacial surgeon Davis Salehani, DDS, MD, said in a press release. 

VSP’s benefits are particularly notable in complex cases involving facial asymmetry, trauma, or congenital deformities. By simulating various surgical outcomes in advance, clinicians are better able to inform patients, streamline interdisciplinary coordination, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected intraoperative adjustments.

Although implementation requires investment in software and staff training, many practices report gains in surgical efficiency and patient satisfaction. As more clinicians integrate VSP into their workflows, the approach is poised to elevate procedural consistency and the overall standard of care in maxillofacial surgery.