1. A method for processing a 3D model, comprising the steps of: accessing the 3D model; determining a set of mesh edges connecting a first vertex of the 3D model and a second vertex of the 3D model; determining a respective geometric variation for each one of a plurality of edges, the plurality of edges belonging to the set of mesh edges; determining structural information in a neighborhood around the first vertex of the 3D model responsive to the respective geometric variations; and processing the first vertex in response to the structural information.