Helpful tool

Rhinoplasty computer imaging has helped bridge the communication gap between surgeon and patient. In the past some surgeons would use a mirror or paper tracing to demonstrate the desired after of a rhinoplasty. Computer imaging has helped surgeons communicate to patients more effectively about what can and can't be performed. Computer imaging can be performed to make any nose look like anything so be sure that your surgeon uses this as a communication tool and not a marketing device.

I also agree with others that the best way to judge a rhinoplasty surgeon is to view before and afters to help judge the surgeons abilities and determine if his/her aesthetic is similar to yours.

Some of the plastic surgeon's offices offer a computer imaging for the Rhinoplasty results preview and review purpose. It gives a patient an opportunity to view and discuss the options of the nose changes. Some patients value a chance to discuss and "design together" with a surgeon a desired look. It gives them certain level of confidence in perusing the rhinoplasty surgery.

I find computer imaging software most helpful to better understand what your desires are. It is really a GREAT communication tool. It really works best on profile view. Do you want your nose more or less projected (how far it sticks off your face) or do you want it more or less turned up? Do you want a scooped out or a straight bridge?

Frontal view is not as representative as the profile view because the photo is flat (2 dimensional and you are 3 dimensional) but it may show you what you would look like with a narrower tip or bridge. Interestingly I give my patients multiple options and I find that most people want a nose that is not too different from what they already have. They just want a little modification so that they look themselves but better. Of course the computer image is not 100 percent and can not be considered a guarantee but I find that most people after undergoing rhinoplasty find the computer image pictured pre treatment very helpful and accurate. Although I emphasize it is best as a communication device the computer imaging helps me and my patient get on the same page. Their vision becomes mine.

Good luck