What if You DON'T Like the Doctor's Morphs..Deal Breaker?

Question

I really like this one doctor but the profile morph looks awful. He nailed everything I needed fixed for my nose(this is a revision rhinoplasty) but I do not want that nose on my face..should I look at this as a huge red flag? I have not told him to tweak it but is it a waste of time to have that conversation? Will he do what he wants to do in the end??

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

Your question highlights exactly why pre-op computer morphing/imaging is so important with rhinoplasty--to assure that you and your surgeon are communicating the same ideas about what your nose should look like. It's also helpful to show patients the limitations on what can be done with rhinoplasty (and especially revision rhinoplasty).

	If you don't like the morphs, the best option is to see if the surgeon can re-morph your pictures to something more in line with what you have in mind. Keep in mind that it's quite possible that the morph you've been shown is the best that that surgeon thinks is achieveable given your anatomy and prior surgical history.
	
	Remember, though, that the morphs are merely an approximation or goal of what might be possible. It's not like ordering from a catalog where the final product will be exactly like the pictures.

	Why some surgeons are opposed to imaging is beyond me. Why would they not want better communication with a patient?

	All the best,

	--DCP

	Pearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

In general, there should be some communication about the goals for your rhinoplasty. You may not be able to realistically achieve your goals, but the surgeon should be able to tell you why or why not. Both of you need to be on the same page about goals. The computer imaging has nothing to do with surgical execution and precision. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the great question. This brings up an important point about computer imaging -- it is a tool used in conversation, to help patients and surgeons identify the issues at hand and the desired solutions and aesthetics. The biology of the nose makes achieving an exact copy of the "morph" quite difficult (and rare). However, it gives a direction to go in. Lastly, not all surgeons are facile with the computer technology and software. This doesn't mean that they will not have surgical skills. The key question is: in our conversation, did the surgeon identify what I want for my nose? Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon as my doctor?

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

Computer imaging can give you an idea of how your profile may generally look. It is not an exact representation, as performing surgery is not as easy as changing the pixels on a computer. The more important factor is your surgeon's before and after photos, as this will give you a better idea of his or her taste. 

	Best, 

	Dr. Richard Zoumalan

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Computer imaging is a communication tool to help the patient and surgeon communicate the desired goals. It is not a guarantee of the surgical results. More importantly, look at the surgeons before and afters in their photo gallery to see if those results match up with your desires aesthetic goals. You can also try our virtual rhinoplasty software App on our website.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not like using morphong software during consultation. I think it gives patients a somewhat false sense of what they are going to get. I would go by the surgeon's results rather than his morphing ability on the computer.

Kimberly Lee, MD · Answer

I think it would be best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and see if you can both find a nose that is both feasible and aesthetically desireable. If you cannot reach that then you may want to consider seeking another surgeon. However, you should be clear about what it is you want and make sure your surgeon is aware of your desires. Please consult with a board certified specialist who can assist you in achieving the results you seek.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You are looking for a good surgeon, not a person who is competent with the computer. If you disagree with the surgeon's aesthetics then get another opinion. Always see results in other patients who had noses similar to yours.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

No, in fact you shouldn't use any computer imaging as a basis for choosing your Rhinoplasty Surgeon. Rhinoplasty isn't like computer software and doesn't manipulate nasal tissues like the imaging changes pixels. See real examples of the work or go elsewhere would be a better plan.

What if You DON'T Like the Doctor's Morphs..Deal Breaker?

Answers (9)

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