Can a plastic surgeon show me how I would look before I got the surgery? Is there a program where I can do this on my own?

Computer imaging is a great educational tool that show
patients how they may
look post-op. Remember that these are EDUCATIONAL
IMAGES ONLY AND DO
NOT REPRESENT OR PROMISE TO DELIVER ANY TYPE OF RESULTS.Address your concerns with your surgeon on what can and cannot
be done to improve your nose. This should be done
in the hands of a Board Certified Plastic surgeon with expertise in Rhinoplasty.

 Computer imaging is best performed by a professional in the plastic surgery office setting.  For patients who wish to perform their own computer imaging, please see the link below to our website where you can upload your photographs and do  your own computer imaging.  It is important to understand that digital computer imaging is only form of communication between the surgeon and the patient, not a guarantee of result.

Hi and thanks for your question. Unfortunately there is no medical imaging software that does this well. The only reliable change in the nose that can be mimicked fairly close to what you can expect is a lateral view of dorsal nasal hump reduction (and possibly dangling columella correction) - and this is easily done on paper with a black pen. Otherwise the software in my experience is only good to demonstrate very gross changes to nasal shape and how this may affect the overall appearance of the nose relative to the face to help you and your surgeon understand what changes you desire -- in that respect it can be helpful. Once you decide on a change you desire and set up a list of expectations you and your surgeon agree on then the software is not very good at showing a "fine tuned" result, so is not helpful in my experience. Just understand that the rhinoplasty is based on anatomy the software can't necessarily see, and it is using photographic manipulations of a picture, so can at times generate anything you desire, but surgically those results may not be possible. Good as an early guide only.

Hello QWY,Most surgeons will have computer software that can give you an idea of what your will look like.  The images are not a guaranty but merely a way to verify your goals are the same as the surgeons.  Most patients undergoing rhinoplasty are younger and looking to refine or improve the nose instead of making themselves look younger.  I would recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon to get an idea of what can be accomplished and make sure your goals are in line with what can be accomplished.I hope this helps and good luck. 

Computer morphing is a powerful tool that can give you an approximation of your results. It works the best for rhinoplasty, but do keep in mind that these results are not a guarantee and the surgery is more challenging then a few mouse clicks. Also keep in mind that some angles and maneuvers are not easy to demonstrate with most software. It is best that an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon perform the morphing, as he/she would know what is actually attainable. In addition, the software is generally very expensive, so it would not likely be worth the cost of getting it for this reason. Good luck!

In general, I encourage computer imaging to be performed only be experienced rhinoplasty surgeons.  Only they will be able to determine what is most achievable for a given nose, after examination, etc.If you wish to do this yourself, you can bring these images to a surgeon, who may or may not tell you that these results are achievable.  In any event, it will help with communication.

 Hi, computer imaging isn't a guarantee of results as it modifies the face and facial tissues in ways surgery could never achieve.  For this reason, these photos always have all sorts of disclaimers on them.  You may want to read my book on face and body beauty to familiarize yourself with the beauty concepts of making the face more naturally attractive.  IMHO plastic surgery should make the face more naturally attractive which is perceived as more youthful.  This means creating angular faces in men (perceived as ruggedly handsome) and soft feminine (heart-shaped) faces in women.  You can e-mail or post photos of your face (non-smiling) front and side for further evaluation.  Hope this helps.