My surgeon does not want to give me a photoshop example of what my nose will look like after my rhinoplasty. Is this normal?

I personally like being able to morph my patients photos in order to not only show them the approximate results that can be expected, but to also allow them to make comments about the aspects they like or don't like in order to be sure we are on the same page prior to undergoing surgery.  That being said, each surgeon has his or her own preferences. If morphing is a requirement for you, you may want to meet with another surgeon or two who do offer morphs.  Best of  luck.

I have found that morphing technology is an invaluable tool for helping patients and surgeons communicate their expectations for the procedure. This process also allows you to “audition” your new nose prior to surgery to ensure you will be happy with your results. While not all surgeons use this tool, many do. You can find a board-certified plastic surgeon that uses this tool in their practice if this is something that will make you more confident about your procedure. 

Thank you for your question. Not all surgeons do the photoshop process prior to surgery. If you do desire this option, I would suggest you to call to ask prior to consulting. I hope this information helps.

It is actually quite normal. Some surgeons love imaging, while others do not. The problem with imaging, in my opinion, is that it does not have any basis in anatomic reality; in other words, I could image any nose on you which would be possible on the computer, but impossible physically. What is truly important is that you and your surgeon spend a lot of time discussing your aesthetic goals, and that your surgeon answers all of your questions. The office should be polite and caring and the facility spotless. What is mandatory is that you like the before and after images from real patients to visualize real results.  

Not all surgeons do the photoshop thing. In fact I don’t. Why that surgeon doesn’t do it could be any number of reasons. He or she may not have the software or know how to do the imaging. Sone surgeons think it is an implicit guarantee of a result. Some surgrons don’t need to “sell” the procedure with what they consider a gimmick. I would say this. Going to one surgeon or avoiding another should not be based on something like whether they will photoshop your nose. It should be based on their experience as well as examples of their work you have seen.

Hello and thank you for your question. Computer simulations can be helpful but they can also serve as tools in order to "sell" patients surgery.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon.

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

Hello and thank you for your question. Computer simulations are helpful consultation tools that facilitate communication between patients and surgeons. Not everyone does it though. More importantly, you should look at before and after pictures of your surgeon's real patients with real results. Look into their experience performing rhinoplasty. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                            
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon
 

No, I don't consider this unusual.  There are two schools of thought with regard to surgeons' approach to counseling prospective rhinoplasty patients.  Some will utilize computer simulation as an aid but others do not.  Personally, I do not use computer simulation to demonstrate "expected results."  This can be misleading to patients as changes shown on the computer do not necessarily translate into changes provided by surgery.  Therefore, patients may have false expectations and subsequently be disappointed in the outcome.  Instead, I have patients view preop/postop photos to get a feel of the my experience and skills.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Photoshop rearranges or deletes pixels on a computer screen. Rhinoplasty involves surgical manipulation / modification of bone, cartilage, and skin, which may be limited by certain anatomic features, postoperative warping of cartilage / bone or inadequate correction necessitating a secondary touch up, or the presence of thickened skin, A photoshopped photograph provides the DESIRED result, but not necessarily an achievable result. It is used by some to provide a "rough estimate" of what can be accomplished. It is of more value to view the physician's pre and postoperative rhinoplasty photographs.
From a legal standpoint, the photograph may be considered an "implied guarantee". It isn't...
Best wishes...

You will need to request consultations with surgeons who provide digital imaging. Not all surgeons do. In my practice I find it a very helpful tool to show the patient the proposed results. It is important that the proposed results take into consideration the patients nasal anatomy and skin thickness so that the imaged photograph is considered what would be achievable with surgery. See the video attached to understand the process. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.