Radiographic Identification of Foreign Bodies in the Maxillofacial Region: A Case Report and Review for Aesthetic Surgery Planning.

Abstract

Aesthetic facial and neck procedures increasingly rely on radiographic imaging for surgical planning and complication management. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging, but foreign materials such as cosmetic fillers and metallic implants can mimic pathology, generate artifacts, and complicate surgery. This case report with an integrated literature review highlights the radiographic identification of such materials and their implications for aesthetic procedures, illustrated by a patient case where CBCT revealed high-density inclusions in the submental region, correlating with intraoperative fibrosis and extended surgical time. CBCT proved superior in visualizing foreign bodies with lower radiation exposure than conventional CT, emphasizing the need for standardized imaging protocols and AI-driven artifact reduction to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize surgical outcomes.