What changes can you expect between computerized results and actual results after the procedure?

Question

I know that actual rhinoplasty results and the pictures you showed your surgeon can differ. However, what between the two is usually different? What changes are most successful, and which ones may not work out as expected?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I don't believe the computer imaging is meant to be an exact duplicate of what to expect after surgery. The goal of computer imaging is to ensure that somebody has realistic expectations. I believe computer imaging results should be very close to actual results within several millimeters. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty computer imaging is most useful to show you what your profile could look like. Most rhinoplasty patients want the hump removed from their bridge and computer imaging works well for this but not much else

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi , it varies between surgeons and the level of change that is agreed to do. It is better for you to consult with a facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the surgical procedure and the post op recovery 
process.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I highly recommend that my patients focus much more on real longterm before and after photographs rather than 3D imaging.   I encounter so many patients in my practice who see me for revision rhinoplasty who previously had surgery elsewhere who feel like they were mislead into surgery by surgeons who relied heavily on 3D imaging without adequate real before and after pictures to back it up.  Photoshop is easy but real surgery is very different.

I always recommend that you carefully evaluate your surgeon’s online before and after gallery on their website for both quality and quantity of results. Make sure that there are hundreds of real before and after pictures which demonstrate long-term follow up results. If your surgeon is posting mostly on table results without real long-term follow up results, that is usually a major red flag.  If a surgeon is posting mostly just splint removal day videos without longterm follow-up pictures, that can also be a red flag.   Long-term results are much more meaningful than on table results or 1 week post-op results.

I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Imaging software is just an education tool, not a guarantee of results. Rhinoplasty is the most difficult procedure to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so it's imperative to choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon can get you pretty close to the anticipated results, especially from the side profile photograph. Rather than relying on digital imaging, study your prospective surgeon's rhinoplasty photo gallery, which should be extensive with results that you like.

Jason Clain, MD · Answer

I use imaging software to help patients understand the changes possible with surgery. There is a slider bar that allows me to morph from the original image to 50% and then 100% of the ideal result. I find it useful for patients to see what a 75% improvement looks like. If you are happy with this change - you will likely be very happy with your result. We always strive for a perfect result - but this is a helpful exercise.

What changes can you expect between computerized results and actual results after the procedure?

Answers (6)

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