Crisalix 3D simulation in rhinoplasty: see your new nose before surgery

One of the biggest questions for anyone thinking about rhinoplasty is simple: “how will I look?”. It is hard to imagine your own face with a different nose, and even harder to explain in words what you want to change. The Crisalix 3D simulation solves that problem: it lets you see, on a three-dimensional model of your face, the expected result of the surgery before making any decision.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, the 3D simulation is part of the rhinoplasty in Porto and Braga consultation. In this article we explain how it works, what you can and cannot expect from it and why it is such an important help in deciding with confidence.

Crisalix is an imaging technology used in plastic and aesthetic surgery around the world. From photographs of your face, it creates a realistic 3D model, which can be rotated and viewed from the front, in profile and at three quarters. On that model, the surgeon simulates the changes to the nose and shows you the effect on the face as a whole.

The difference from a retouched photograph is large. In a 2D image you only see one angle. In the 3D model you see how the nose relates to the forehead, eyes, lips and chin, from every side, which is exactly how others will see it.

1. The photographs

The clinic team takes photographs of your face under standardised conditions, which are securely uploaded to the Crisalix platform to generate the 3D model. If you prefer to start before the consultation, you can request your 3D simulation online or send us the 6 photographs for the facial simulation.

2. The simulation at the consultation

During the consultation, Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira opens your 3D model and simulates with you, in real time, the possible changes: softening a hump, lifting or refining the tip, aligning a deviated nose, reducing the width. You can see several options side by side and say what you prefer. It is the best way for the surgeon to understand what you are looking for, and to explain clearly what is possible in your case.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira prefers to call it a study of the face: instead of looking only at the nose, he simulates what he believes to be the best harmony for that face, and discusses with you, point by point, the features you want to change. Read more about facial analysis in rhinoplasty.

3. Access to your simulations at home

After the consultation, you receive access to your 3D simulations. You can review them calmly, without rushing, and share them with whoever you wish before making a decision.

• You speak the same language. “A smaller nose” or “a finer tip” means different things to different people. With the 3D model, the patient and the surgeon are looking at the same image.
• The nose is seen in the whole face. A good result is not a beautiful nose in isolation, it is a nose in harmony with the rest of the face. The simulation shows that relationship.
• It helps avoid exaggeration. Often a small change has a big effect. Seeing the simulation helps you choose a natural change that still looks like you.
• It gives confidence to decide. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and allows you to make the decision with more certainty.
• It helps plan the surgery. For the surgeon, the simulation is also a tool for studying your case and defining the surgical strategy.

It is important to be clear: the 3D simulation is a goal, not a guarantee. It shows the result the surgeon and the patient intend to achieve, but the final result depends on several factors, such as skin thickness, the way each person heals and the recovery process itself, which takes about a year. That is why the simulation is a conversation and planning tool, and the final result should never be compared millimetre by millimetre with the image.

That said, it is the most faithful way that exists today to anticipate the result and align expectations before surgery. To see real results, visit our rhinoplasty before and after.

The simulation is the starting point for the surgical plan. Once the intended result is defined, the surgeon explains how he will get there: which structures he will work on, which technique he will use (for example, ultrasonic rhinoplasty or preservation rhinoplasty) and whether breathing also needs correcting. Only then is the quote presented, because only then is it known what will be done. We explain why in how much does rhinoplasty cost.

Does the 3D simulation have extra costs?

No. The 3D simulation is part of the consultation, at no additional cost.

Can I have the simulation without coming to the clinic?

You can start online, from your photographs. The full simulation and the surgical plan are done and discussed at the consultation with the surgeon.

Can I see several nose options?

Yes. At the consultation several alternatives can be simulated, to compare and choose the one that makes most sense for your face.

Are my photographs secure?

Yes. The photographs are securely uploaded to the platform and used only for your simulation and your clinical file.

Is the simulation only for rhinoplasty?

No. It is also useful in other facial procedures, such as chin surgery, where the chin and the nose balance each other in the profile.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, rhinoplasty is performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, a specialist in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, with rhinoplasty as his main area of practice. At the consultation, at our Porto or Bragapractice, you have your Crisalix 3D simulation, learn about the surgical plan and clear up all your questions. Also find out what the first rhinoplasty consultation is like.

Request your 3D simulation, book your consultation or call +351 915 808 584.

This article is for information purposes only and does not replace a medical consultation. The 3D simulation is a planning tool and does not guarantee the final result.