Fake or Real Plastic Surgery Photos?

By good photos I don't just mean "wow" before and afters but good quality, consistent placement and consistent lighting. When a staff member discovered our images posted on another site without our agreement we were mortified. Yes, this can happen. When viewing photos in the office notice whether or not all the photos are taken with the same background, same lighting and with the same (at least 3) positions. Ask for information including patient's age, and how long... more

This is an excellent question! The best situation in my opinion occurs when a prospective patient sits down with a plastic surgeon and runs through many photos (un-retouched or digitally altered!) of that surgeon's own patients. I personally spend an hour with each new patient and do not relegate this to any body else. The subtleties of each photograph can only be explained in person and are often missed on web sites. Also, about 75% of patients don't really know what they look like... more

This is a great question. Most plastic surgeons and other people practicing cosmetic surgery make websites and post photos. I have found that many websites do not even post their own photos. In fact, if you look carefully, you can see the same photos on multiple websites. That is because many people subcontract out their website creation to companies that use stock photos. This is most consistent on the landing page of the websites. In the before and after sections, you should look... more

Before-after pictures should be taken with the same camera and lighting and have the same background. The photographs should show how long after the procedure they were taken. They should be taken from the same standardized angles. Some before-after results are literally taken in the surgery room, obviously not an indication of how the patient will look at 6 months to one year. Pictures taken shortly after surgery will have swelling that often makes the results look better. Photos... more

This is a great question, and unfortunately there is no easy answer. Just looking at website photos alone are not enough, and I think it is very helpful for a patient to sit down with the surgeon and go over the pictures directly, so the surgeon can describe to you specifically what he sees and how he aimed to improve it-- this will also allow you to decide if you and the surgeon have a similar aesthetic ideal. Another option is to speak to his patients directly-- they will give you their... more

While the popular advice is to look at photos, I think pre- and post-op photos by themselves give very limited information especially if shown cold on a website or by surgical consultants who have not done the actual surgery. While patients look for similar patients for the results that they can get, anatomical nuances are not evident in the photos. For example, a protuberant abdomen can be caused by subcutaneous fat or weak muscles or intra-abdominal contents. Breast appearance and... more

Hello Liza, I agree that closely looking at the photos will help you determine which ones are real clinical patients and which are stock photos. Also ask your Doctor for referrals - you should always be able to speak with or meet prior patients who have worked with the Doctor to get their experiences and comments on the procedure you are considering. Most patients who are willing to have their photos used are also willing to talk and meet with new, prospective patients. A real patient who... more

In theory, no Surgeon should show a result of another surgeon without full disclosure and certainly should never alter photographic images for the purposes of deceiving a patient. However, there are Surgeons who do not follow the rules and some skepticism is appropriate. I would recommend that any patient ask, "Are these untouched photos of your work?" I recommend that a patient consider the postoperative photos as one piece of the puzzle in choosing a Surgeon. ... more

There is no absolutely perfect method to evaluate photos.  I think the best quality photos are those that are high resolution and shot with the same camera, angle, and lighting before and after surgery.  What is probably the best advice is to find a surgeon you can trust.  Then, you can be assured of their integrity throughout the whole process.  A personal referral or recommendation is far more reliable than advertising. Good luck!

First of all, I would go to a board certified plastic surgeon.  Second, always ask if these are pictures of his/her patients.  Third if the physician has an imaging system, the most common is called Mirror, when a picture has been altered there is an icon in the lower right corner.  Look at multiple results.  If your physician does not generate a sense of confidence and trust at the time of the consultation as well as educate you with regard to the procedure you... more