The aim of this study is to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes in facial reconstructive surgery by using 3D clinical photography and computer modelling to help illustrate and plan the patients' reconstructive journey. It will be conducted at the Royal Free Hospital department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where patients with facial deformities or suspected diagnoses of skin cancer will be referred from their GP or dermatology services. As is routine standard of care, they will be reviewed in outpatient settings and the next management steps initiated. Our study will introduce compulsory 2D and 3D photography and patient satisfaction questionnaires. The photographs will be used to sit down with the participant and illustrate the intended surgical reconstruction, keeping them up to date and fully informed of the surgical plan. The questionnaire, FACE-Q, already validated for facial skin cancer surgery and reconstruction, will be used to assess their satisfaction at each stage of their reconstructive journey. The results of the study will benefit each participant and illustrate an improvement in satisfaction so that such 3D photography, surgical planning with computer models produced by these 3D images will become a routine part of future patients with facial disfigurement or cancer requiring reconstruction. This study will form part of a PhD academic qualification at UCL for one of the research registrars.
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To determine if increasing utilisation of 3D photography and computer modelling in facial reconstructive surgery changes patient satisfaction during their reconstructive journey.
Timeframe: at start of study at at 6 months