Visualize your before-and-after cosmetic surgery in 3-D
Plastic surgery trade shows are an eclectic mix of fascinating technology, mundane text books, and unusual items to decorate the doctor's office like brass figurines (that make the physician look....well, a bit intimidating!). 
The main theme for these events is to sell doctors on the latest products and services that attract new patients.
And given the consumer demand for plastic surgery before and after photos, it's fitting that the show floors have a number of companies offering “computer morphing” to depict before and after results.
Visualize your "after" cosmetic procedure
Morphing software has evolved to what are now highly realistic looking "afters" of yourself in 3-D such as a hump-free nose, smaller breasts, or higher cheekbones. Just like an architect can "fly" you through their design for your home addition, the surgeon now has the means to show you a highly realistic looking perspective of your body, post-surgery.
Physicians invest in these expensive visualization equipment and software to improve patient-surgeon communication and to increase surgery bookings post-consultation.
"Patients frequently have anxiety about implant sizing. Will they look too big, too small, or just right? Portrait 3D [visualization software and equipment] answers these questions by simulating an approximate result on the patient's own body. This eliminates a major obstacle for the many patients who can't decide whether or not to schedule surgery," explains Steven Teitelbaum, MD, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon.
Miami facial plastic surgeon Carlos Wolf, MD recently explained in his regular Q&A for the Miami Herald that morphing software is a good way to "try on" a cosmetic procedure such as higher cheekbones.
But do 3D models set unrealistic expectations?
Not all plastic surgeons feel 3D models are the must-have technology for their practice. Manhattan surgeon Steven Wallach, MD believes morphing can give “a false sense of what is achieved and possibly an implied contract for the result.”
Seattle plastic surgeon Shahram Salemy, MD also finds that it is not easy to match what a patient sees in a computer image with reality.
"What you are saying to the patient is 'this is what you WILL look like after your procedure'. Patients all heal differently, and if they do not end up exactly as the computer image showed, they will at the very least be very unhappy, and at worst seek legal action," says Salemy.
Dr. Salemy adds that even though 3D morphing software has come a long way, "there is no technology that can substitute for the surgeon's personal results, judgment, and ability to tailor the operation to your anatomy and goals."
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