Dr refuses to provide a visual of desired nose design

We have been offering computer Imaging for 24 years, and in our experience this is a valuable tool for showing people what they can expect to achieve after surgery. If you don't have a good feeling about your consultation and surgeon, please consider visiting another reputable rhinoplasty specialist who does offer computer Imaging. I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Thank you for your question. There are two very different points of view on this matter and surgeons are divided in clear separate positions.

Some surgeons feel that since the operation cannot produce an exact replica of a simulation there is no value to the preoperative simulations. This is sometimes also because the decision about the final shape is made during the surgery based on the surgeon's experience and aesthetic vision.

The other point of view of course is that computer simulation can help with the decision process. In my experience, this can be valuable element of the preparation because understanding the nasal shape in the context of the facial features helps to qualify the impact of different changes.

Hello! Thank you for your question.Some surgeons prefer not to prepare any simulation during the consultation because the final outcome won't be 100% the same. Anyway, with this information in mind you can contact any surgeon, and it is possible to prepare a simulation with photos taken by you. Anyway, the simulation would be in 2 Dimensions. With a virtual consultation you can have a simulation, no need to wait for months.
Best regards!

Today, morphs are a tool that are not difficult to arrange. You need to see the doctor's morph, so you know whether what she is picturing for your nose is the same as what you are picturing for your nose -- were the same priorities addressed? Was enough done? Too much? It helps you find a goal that you like best, and it helps the surgeon know what the goal should be, too. You can never hit that goal exactly, but it's still very useful.

(Side note: in my opinion, morphs should really be done by the surgeon, or she should be directing an assistant as she makes the morphs. Morphs should be made with a constant eye to what actually *can* be done in surgery, for that particular nose, and the surgeon has that information and judgment best.)

Your questions are valid. Our practice (Plastic Surgery Northwest in Spokane, WA) uses Vectra 3D imaging to help demonstrate the changes that can be achieved with a well planned and executed rhinoplasty. I also demonstrate the changes I plan to make using 2D printed photographs of my patients (this is particularly helpful in the lateral view). I want my patients to know exactly what I am planning to ensure that our goals are aligned. If my patient has a different vision for their outcome, I absolutely want to know about that before surgery so that I can adjust my plans. This is particularly important for the female nose when it comes to altering tip projection and the supratip break. These discussions sometimes result in me telling the patient that I can't deliver what they want, which is just as important.