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How Accurate is Digital Imagery when Considering Rhinoplasty?

asked 2 years ago by SSAA in UK
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 503 times

How accurate is digital imagery when considering Rhinoplasty? Also, is digital imagery available in the UK, or is it rather rare to find a clinic offering this service? Thank you.

8 answers to How Accurate is Digital Imagery when Considering Rhinoplasty?

+1

Creative marketing!

My son can make you the greatest nose you ever saw on a computer. Unfortunately, he knows nothing about doing surgery on real people! Look at the surgeons real work on patients, either photos or better yet real live patients. What you are buying is his proven skill over many years, not a computer drawing. 
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Computer Imaging for Rhinoplasty

Imaging can be educational in communicating possible rhinoplasty results. I found it most helpful when discussing profile changes including nasal size reductions, removal of a bump or changes in tip rotation. In addition, it is a wonderful tool to demonstrate benefits of chin enhancement and liposuction under the chin. BUT, it is only a computer tool, not more and not less. At the end, most patients don't want to see how gifted the surgeon is in manipulating digital photos with a computer... more
Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+1

Digital imaging is a communication tool

Digital imaging is a communication tool. It allows the surgeon to communicate what is attainable for the patient and permits the patient to express what their needs are. Most computer simulations in our office come very close to the actual final result after the procedure is over.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

As accurate as the surgeon!

Unfortunately digitial imaging is a computer technology so the old saying - 'Garbage in and garbage out' holds true. The image you see is dependent on the physician who is performing the imaging. Ensure that it is the physician who is imaging your results and not an assistant or consultant. Most surgeons who utilize digital imaging can get a very close result. Always remember though that imaging is a simulation and that your actual results will likely vary.
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty Imaging

Computer imaging for rhinoplasty is a valuable tool for communication and for setting goals for surgery. But, it is only as accurate as the surgeon who performs it. It is very easy to make a computer image look good. The real challenge is being able to achieve that desired result with surgery. I recommend that patients visit with several rhinoplasty surgeons before deciding to undergo surgery. While the computer imaging that is done for the patient is important to set goals for... more
C. Spencer Cochran, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

+1

Imaging is merely a drawing, no more and no less. (But it's a good idea)

As to the question of accuracy, remember that digital imaging is merely a drawing tool, not a simulation in the truest sense. I could, for example, morph a nose to look like Pinocchio, but that doesn't mean that it can actually be built in the operating room. So in that sense, imaging is only as "accurate" as the surgeon doing the morphing. I routinely use imaging with my rhinoplasty patients. It helps me plan the surgery, but it also helps me make sure that the patient and I are... more
David C. Pearson, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Computer or digital imaging is very helpful

I have found that computer imaging is very helpful when discussing rhinoplasty. The images are not an exact representation of results, but usually pretty close. Imaging is an excellent discussion tool with patients. We can explore making certain parts of the nose higher or lower to come to a mutual agreement on what we are striving for. I have found that patients like the interaction and ability to share in the procedure planning. In the US, imaging is offered by many surge ions.... more
Steven J. Pearlman, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

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