Reconsidering Surgeon Due to Suspected Retouched Photos?

You bring up an interesting point. I used to wonder whether some unscrupulous surgeons "doctor" their photos more than their patients. I now know of at least two surgeons who have used morphed photos as before and after photos, which is completely fraudulent, of course. Amazingly, in both instances the doctors didn't even use another photo of the patient but simply morphed the pre-op images (same clothes, same position, same hair placement, etc.)! One instance was brought to my... more

Hi, As a surgeon who has designed, made, and maintains his own website, I have seen many other plastic surgery websites and have scrutinized countless photos on the web. I have seen few doctors with "altered" photos on their websites. There are likely to be several that I have missed, but I think I have gotten good at detecting this form of "doctoring". Most of the ones that I have seen have been directly altered from the pre-op pictures. These are the most obvious type... more

If you suspect that the photos are retouched, then it is probably important to move on to another surgeon that you can completely trust. Ask to talk to a patient or two from the practice about their anticipated result.

Hi! If the photographs are altered, you cannot trust this surgeon.  Integrity is something you absolutely need in a cosmetic surgeon. How else can you be sure that your surgeon will do the very best he can for your face.  Go elsewhere.

If you have any doubts about a surgeon, follow your instincts and find someone else. The vast majority of surgeons are very ethical and honest doctors. I would like to believe that the surgeon you speak of did not do this. However, if you are suspicious, then it is probably for good reason.

I share your concern, and I would feel concerned if I thought my surgeon were altering photos. I'm assuming you're dealing with a board-certified, experienced rhinoplasty surgeon with many favorable photos. And you said you liked him. My hunch is that the photos are legitimate, since if he's experienced, he would not post an unfavorable result that requires "photo-shop" to make it look acceptable. You could visit your doctor, and ask to see more views of this particular patient... more

You need to have confidence in your surgeon that he or she is honest. If photos are retouched to make them look better without making a clear note of this, it would be an ethical violation. I do not have any way of telling you how to make this determination because digital photos can have a lot of changes as they are copied and pasted and projected on the web. You could always ask to see the original photos but this might be too much hassle. If you are sure this is the case then I... more

 Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons have rhinoplasty patients coming and going all the time. These patients usually don't mind meeting with other patients in the office to show the real result!

One option is to have our surgeon give you the names of a few actual patients. You can meet with them in person and view the actual finished result. If the surgeon is experienced enough, they should be able to to find a few of their patients who are willing to meet with you. Patients usually have copies of their actual photos and you could ask them if they would share.

I have been a photgrapher for over 35 years and have worked in the developement of most of the plastic surgical digital imaging software and hardware. Pixelation is a function of the resolution of the imaging equipment sensors and how high there resolution is. It is possible that certain curved lines, if enlarged enough, will show the pixels. It is difficult to comment without seeing the photograph, but you should do your research on the physician, and if you are still worried, have him... more

Devon Pino, It is relatively easy to simulate plastic surgery on the computer. Simple digital imaging software can provide before and after pictures of plastic surgery. Some surgeons simulate surgery with patients in-person, while some plastic surgeons recommend a followup appointment to review computer imaging. Photographs and images on websites should be properly labeled as actual patients or models. Photographs, either online or in-person, may be misleading, due to variations in lighting,... more