  This paper introduces a new Finite Element biomechanical model of the human
face, which has been developed to be integrated into a simulator for plastic
and maxillo-facial surgery. The idea is to be able to predict, from an
aesthetic and functional point of view, the deformations of a patient face,
resulting from repositioning of the maxillary and mandibular bone structures.
This work will complete the simulator for bone-repositioning diagnosis that has
been developed by the laboratory. After a description of our research project
context, each step of the modeling is precisely described: the continuous and
elastic structure of the skin tissues, the orthotropic muscular fibers and
their insertions points, and the functional model of force generation. First
results of face deformations due to muscles activations are presented. They are
qualitatively compared to the functional studies provided by the literature on
face muscles roles and actions.
