Is there any way to preview results of the procedure by altering patient pictures in image processing applications? Can anybody describe to me what Rhinoplasty (for narrowing the nose) results should I expect based on my picture?
Computer imaging is a useful 'tool', however, realize that some surgeons may use it to oversell unrealistic results. Imaging does help showcase potential results and is especially useful in showing the profile view. It is important to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon when searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon.
Computer imaging is sometimes a useful tool for communication between the patient and the doctor. However it doesnot predict an outcome.
It is easy to perform "surgery" on a computer. Photoshop flawlessly creates beautiful visual effects. The computer simulation does not, however, predict the effects on the appearance, the effects from/on adjacent unoperated tissues, on breathing etc.
The disclaimers most doctors give their patients are an indication of how unhappy patients are if their surgery doesn't produce exactly what's on the picture.
It is in my opinion more accurate to look at actual before-after photographs of real patients with similar features and see how they come out.
My son can make you a great nose on a computer: he knows nothing about noses. Look at the surgeons before/after noses that are similar to yours. This will give a better idea as to what the doctor actually does.
Morphing is excellent tool for the modern rhinoplasty surgeon. Morphing allows the rhinoplasty surgeon to:
1. Morphing communicates the artistic goals of the surgery with the patient. We all have different standards of beauty and morphing is a fantastic way to confirm that the surgeon and patient are on the same page.
2. Morphing establishes a "blue print" or guide for the surgeon. The surgeon will be more efficient in the operating room with a plan based on the changes established by the morphed views.
3. Morphing establishs a standard of excellence for the surgeon. I provide the morphed image to all my patients. While I tell them that the morphed image is only a goal and not a guarentee - it establishes a high artistic standard of excellence for the best surgeons.
I also recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who understands the antatomic limitations, artistic proportions and how to translate these into a realistic morphed photograph.
The photos which are taken for computer morphing include static and dynamic (smiling) views in at least 7 different full face poses, which are clearly defined. Each "click of the mouse" or morphing move corresponds to a surgical manuever, which can be incorporated into the surgical "flight plan". However theoretical concerns must be related to the patient's age, gender, height, aesthetic ideals, etc. The bottom line is that despite cultural, historical conventions a nose should compliment the patient's features, neither dominate or detract from the midface. Find a PS who has an active interest and expertise in rhinoplasty and be completely candid with him/her. Good luck.
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