Do plastic surgeons photoshop before and after pictures? Would a nose job help me breathe perfectly?

Question

I need to get a septoplasty, and am looking at some before and after pictures of nose surgery. Some of the nose look HUGE and EXTREMELY crooked before....but then perfect afterwards. Also, in every single one of the pictures on some sites the surgeons claim the patients have great breathing. Can nose surgery really do this, like magic? Something seems fish about this, too good to be true. Is it really possible to get a nose job and be able to breathe perfectly after?

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

The results you see online should be ACTUAL before and after pictures and not Photoshopped--that would be highly unethical. During our consultations with patients, we always will Photoshop their pictures. We refer to this as "computer imaging". It is done in 2 and 3 dimensions to give our patients an idea of what they should like after surgery. Breathing issues can also be addressed at the time of rhinoplasty, if appropriate. Good results in terms of both appearance and breathing are usually achieved after rhinoplasty surgery.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The answer is that Plastic Surgeons should never photoshop before and after photos, nor should they show other Surgeons photos.  Unfortunately, it can happen.  Base your decision on the Surgeon's reputation, speaking to former patients, in addition to the results you are shown.

Eric Desman, MD · Answer

Before and after pictures should not be "photoshopped". This is a cardinal sin and is not done. There are software programs that some surgeons use to demonstrate potential outcomes, but to post pictures reputed as before and after and those photos not to be real is not done nor would it be tolerated. As far as helping you breathe, surgery can improve breathing. The cause of the breathing problem must be identified and addressed during the procedure.

Do plastic surgeons photoshop before and after pictures? Would a nose job help me breathe perfectly?

Answers (3)

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