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?
I do not perform computer imaging in my office. I feel it gives a false sense of what is achieved and possibly an implied contract for the result. But I do spend a lot of time explaining what can be accomplished. Interestingly, to give you even a slight idea of what you can achieve to narrow the nose, a frontal view is best.
Computer imaging is an invaluable tool for patients seeking cosmetic alterations to their face and neck. While words can be used to describe desires and expected outcomes, using a visual medium truly enhances the communication between doctor and patient.
I do computer imaging on all of my patients. I tell them that it is not a guarantee of a result, but rather a language for communication and understanding of each other's goals. I make every effort to image a realistic outcome based upon a particular surgical plan. What I don't do is to image first and then figure out how to get there because if you "over-image", then you risk falling short of your goals.
The best way to find out more is to look at the before and after photos of real patients. If the doctor in question does computer imaging, then ask to see imaging that was done on the noses you like. This will give you an idea of how close the projected and actual outcomes are.
Finally, remember that Rhinoplasty is a complicated surgery where a small degree of unpredictability may occur during the healing phase. There are also occasional surprises during operations that change overall the surgical plan. This is why imaging projections and outcomes
aren't always an exace match. However, they should be reasonably close, if done correctly.
Nik,
You can have your nose "morphed" with one of the many morphing software applications that are available. In fact, you can probably even morph the photo yourself with photoshop to see how your proposed surgery might look. You could bring your altered photo to your plastic surgeon to see if the results are indeed realistic. Good luck.
It is possible to do computer imaging for rhinoplasty. However, you must keep in mind that this is just imaging and the computer cannot predict how your own tissues will react to the surgery. However, you are able to get a general idea of what your nose would look like. For your question about what your nose would look like. It is impossible to comment specifically on the width since the picture is so small. However, your nose does appear wide and rhinoplasty could definitely narrow your nose. As for your profile, rhinoplasty could straighten your dorsum (hump). I would need to see other views to comment further on your nose. Additionally, prior to surgery, you need a good exam of the inside of your nose. You do not want to make changes to the appearance of your nose while altering the function of breathing.
I hope this is helpful.
David Shafer, MD
Shafer Plastic Surgery
Manhattan
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