Why won't my surgeon do a morph for a revision?

  Computer imaging is simply a communication for surgeons and patients to use to give an idea of what the nose might look like. Be very specific in your communications with  your surgeon to  make sure both have  a clear understanding of the limitations and expectations of revision rhinoplasty surgery, since it is quite difficult.

In general, a computer morphed photo serves the following purposes:



1) To give the patient an idea of how the final result of surgery may appear


2) To serve as a goal for the surgeon to follow in the operating room



Every surgeon has their own individual protocol they follow. Some use computer morphing and others do not. Your surgeon may be perfectly capable of doing a great job, but may not want to use the morphing for whatever reason. This may be a red flag, but not the determining factor of your surgeon's capability. Did they explain to you what would be performed during a revision? Are you confident they will be able to fix your nose and this will be the final surgery? If not, a second opinion may not be a bad idea. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck

Morphing for rhinoplasty is a great tool for communication between plastic surgeons and patients, however, it has its limitations. Front view is somewhat difficult to morph and depends on the quality of photos taken in the office. Fine changes may be impossible to depict on the front view. Also, it is a personal choice of surgeons when to use morphing and is not necessarily the standard of care, although most colleagues i know do use it routinely. 

Grigoriy Mashkevich, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon