Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enhanced Simulation of Facial Filler Sequencing

Abstract

Preprocedural simulation can be an important tool for patient counseling and setting patient expectations in a plastic surgeon’s office. Simulation technologies are used widely in plastic surgery and can involve expensive three-dimensional imaging suites that allow the plastic surgeon to alter patient photographs to simulate postprocedural results. Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in many facets of the plastic surgery world. However, AI has not been significantly utilized in preprocedural simulation. AI represents a new frontier in plastic surgery simulation as inexpensive AI “generative fill” technology can instantly alter and rejuvenate specifically demarcated areas of patient photographs to render realistic postprocedural results. The authors aimed to assess the feasibility of using AI to simulate whole-face rejuvenation with soft tissue fillers by performing injection simulations on real patient photographs. This article lays the foundation for future studies applying more sophisticated AI models in plastic surgery preprocedural simulation.