Accuracy and Precision Testing of the Iphone X 3D Scanner for Aesthetic Surgery
The iPhone X is the first smartphone to be released with a high-fidelity 3D scanner. At present, half of all US smartphone users use an iPhone. Recent data suggest that the majority of these 230 million individuals will upgrade to the iPhone X within two years. This represents a profound expansion in access to 3D scanning technology not only for plastic surgeons but for their patients as well. Given these implications, the purpose of this study was to compare the iPhone X scanner against a popular, portable 3D camera used in plastic surgery (Canfield Vectra H1).
Methods/Technique
:Sixteen human subjects (n=16) underwent 3D facial capture with the iPhone X and Canfield Vectra H1 and results were compared using color map analysis and surface distances between key anatomical landmarks. To assess repeatability and precision of the iPhone X 3D scanner, six (n=6) facial scans of a single participant were obtained and compared using color map analysis. In addition, three (n=3) 3D-printed facial masks were captured with each device and compared.
Results/Complications
:For iPhone X vs. Canfield H1 experiments, average (root mean squared) RMS was 0.44mm following color map analysis and 0.46mm for surface distance between anatomical landmarks. For repeatability and precision testing, average RMS difference following color map analysis was 0.35mm. For the 3D-printed facial mask comparison, average RMS difference was 0.28mm.
Conclusion
:The iPhone X offers 3D scanning that accurate and precise to within half a millimeter when compared to a commonly used, validated, and expensive 3D camera. This represents a significant reduction in the barrier to access 3D scanning technology for both patients and surgeons.