Digital imaging for rhinoplasty/consultations?

Question

1. Should I be concerned if a plastic surgeon doesn't use digital imaging to show me the outcome of a rhinoplasty surgery? 2. Is it normal for a patient to book a rhinoplasty surgery knowing what the surgeon will be doing on paper/in conversations, but have no definite visual? Does it come down to simply trusting your doctor to do what he thinks is best based on what you've communicated to him, along with what he is capable of doing with the type of nose you already have structurally?

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

You need to know exactly what the surgeon is planning to accomplish -- what features he thinks he can change, and by how much he thinks he can change them. When you see his goals, you'll know whether he has an eye for an attractive nose, and whether he shares your opinion of what constitutes an attractive nose. You'll also know whether the changes he proposes are enough to be meaningful to you, and whether he understands your wishes enough to address all of your priorities. If he draws something you don't like, then maybe his vision for your nose is totally off, and you shouldn't have surgery with him.But remember, you're not hiring him for his skills with the computer. The doctor must then show you his before and after photos to prove that he can actually accomplish what he draws on the computer.Be sure to read the section in the "Learn more" link on how to stay out of trouble while searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon. Rhinoplasty is an exquisitely difficult operation to get right, and you should only have surgery if you are able to make yourself very confident in your surgeon's skills. 
Speaking of morphs, I usually make computer morphs when I'm answering questions like this, to show the changes that are possible for a nose with a rhinoplasty, but of course you didn't post any photos. At the *very* bottom of the "Learn more" page is a link to instructions on taking and sending photos that are comprehensive and useful for an online consultation like this, in case you'd like a more complete evaluation.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Each Doctor will have their own consultation protocols. Your nose could be improved with rhinoplasty, which would give permanent improvements in symmetry and shape. You can bring the photos of noses that you think would be flattering to your face and these can be discussed. When you meet with a facial plastic surgeon, he or she will consider your nose in balance with your other features and can over the cost of the procedure. I hope this helps.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD · Answer

Digital simulation is not used by every rhinoplasty surgeon, and it does not mean that they aren't very capable. Simulation is really meant to be a means of communication between surgeon and client and to determine if what is desired is realistic. It's not typically used as a promise or guarantee.   A better measure of their capabilities is in viewing their before and after photos of similar type noses, reading reviews, etc.  Best wishes.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Dear Bea, 
More than two decades ago, computer imaging was not an available technology  to us prior to Rhinoplasty. Nevertheless, many excellent Rhinoplasties were performed and many patients were very happy and satisfied. Today, Computer Imaging serves as a communication tool between patient and surgeon to get an idea of what looks best on a given face and also to demonstrate what is possible surgically, yet at the same time, the Computer Imaging depictions cannot be guaranteed since many factors play a role in the healing process. If your surgeon does not have this technology, perhaps you could take a picture of yourself at home from the frontal view and side view and photoshop it yourself the way you would like it and then take that photo to your surgeon and ask him / her if that result is attainable, given your anatomy and skin texture. To answer your question specifically, it depends on the reputation of your surgeon, his years in practice, studying his before and after pictures and your overall comfort level with him / her. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Facial Plastic/ Plastic Surgeon with experience.
Best Wishes in your quest, 
Dr. Anna Petropoulos
Boston's North Shore

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Not necessarily.. there are excellent surgeons who both use and do not use digital imaging of 'proposed' postoperative results.  Regardless in this current day I think being able to show preop and postop results of other patients is common during a consultation.. .

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Digital imaging for rhinoplasty/consultations?

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