The aim of this study was to present a workflow for obtaining realistic 3D models of human faces, using enhanced tools and features of free software.Methods: Faces of six (6) subjects of varying ages were digitized using monoscopic photogrammetry technology according to PlusID (+ID) methodology by combining smartphone captures and image processing through OrtogOnBlender addon, programmed through Blender®, an Open-Source Software in a PC. Alignment, resizing, unifying texture maps and attribution of multiresolution and displacement modifier tools were applied on the 3D models for the purpose of enhancing the 3D model to achieve more realistic features of the face.Results: Resultant 3D models with medium-quality anatomic features were obtained as a first instance and were enhanced to produce high-quality resolution of enhanced realistic features and textures of the human face for all subjects. Facial anatomy could be reproduced in*.STL, *. OBJ and other file formats with no major irregularities.
Conclusion:The combined use of multiresolution and displacement features allowed us to increase mesh density & geometric detail, by using the gray scale images of the UV-mapped surface texture to displace the mesh surface of the digital model for more realistic representation of physical features of the human face.
Clinical implication:This workflow allowed us to obtain digital models with more realistic features of the face (compared to more conventionally prepared 3D printing files), to be used for digital analysis, prosthesis design and 3D printing purposes.