Digital workflow for fabricating a nasal apex-columella prosthesis with an integrated custom nasal stent

Abstract

This clinical report details the management of an 11-year-old child with significant nasal trauma from a dog bite who required esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Initial treatment included surgical debridement and wound stabilization, followed by a nasal stent to maintain airway patency and prevent soft tissue contracture. A digital workflow incorporating facial scanning, computer-aided design, and 3-dimensional (3D) printing was used to fabricate a custom nasal stent. This approach ensured precise anatomic adaptation and enhanced esthetics through digital sculpting of the nasal apex and columella. The 3D printed stent demonstrated excellent clinical fit, improving both functional and esthetic outcomes. This clinical report emphasizes the benefits of digital workflows and 3D printing in pediatric nasal stent fabrication, providing rapid production and better results compared with traditional methods.