Is It a Red Flag if a Surgeon Does Not Use Digital Imaging?

When you are considering a rhinoplasty you are looking for a surgeon- remember that. What is possible on digital imaging may not be possible in an operating theatre, and the person who can do digital imaging may not be able to do a rhinoplasty.

 

All surgeons want to communicate with their patients and digital imaging is just one way.  Some surgeons will use it and others may not, it does not make one surgeon better than the other.

 

Remember you are looking for a good surgeon, look at before and after results on other patients, listen to if the surgeon is hearing what your goals are. Digital imaging will not replace good surgical technique and a surgeon who listens.

 

Jeremy Hunt .

 

Digital imaging serves as an additional means of communication between the patient and the surgeon.  It should never be used as a ‘sales’ tool or as a means of over-promising a result.  The imaging performed should be a representation of realistic results after the normal swelling which takes place after surgery has mostly resolved.  If you feel that the ‘goals’ of your surgery have been appropriately communicated between yourself and your surgeon then imaging may be superfluous.  But in many cases it only serves to enhance communication.

Many plastic surgeons in today’s
world, including myself, have an office equipped with digital imaging software.
This technology allows a computerized image of the nose to be virtually
manipulated and can give the patient and doctor a means to create a realistic
goal for the rhinoplasty. Still, this equipment is by no means a staple of
every surgeon’s office and a surgeon who does not offer it does not necessarily
translate into a “red flag.” In this case, you may want to ask to see before
and after photos of past patients to get a better understanding of the
surgeon’s work. It is more important that the surgeon you are consulting is
board certified and is experienced in the realm of rhinoplasty surgery.

I wanted to add my two cents here. Personally, I believe the importance of digital imaging is communication. It allows the patient and physician to get on the same level and ensure we are both thinking the same thing. It allows you to make changes to the nose and see what it looks like. I think even with the best surgeon, if you dont see what they are thinking, although you may get a good result in the surgeons eyes, it may not be what you wanted. Remember, digital imaging is just a GUIDE it is not a guarantee. Its sole purpose is for communication. I've posted a link to an article on this below. James P. Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSCAssistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryOtolaryngology – Head and Neck SurgeryFacial Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOttawa, Ontario, Canada

Most of my patients coming for consultation for rhinoplasty procedure are very excited about computer imaging done during the consultation process. This great technology allows the patient to visualize final result.  Patients feel they have a better chance to express their expectations working together with a surgeon on their image.   This is now even more enhanced with Vectra 3D technology. Surgeon on the other hand can easily point out the limitations –what can and cannot be achieved. It is just a tool –great help, but should not define surgeon’s skills. The most important after all is surgeon’s experience and his capabilities to deliver the best result for the patient. So please choose an experienced,  board certified plastic surgeon that can demonstrate with before and after photos that he is the one you can trust to change you appearance. Only before and after photos are real and lots of them ! Computer imaging is easy. Surgery is not

There are a variety of reasons surgeons don't use computer imaging for rhinoplasty consultations.  Some are afraid of an implied warranty, some don't like computers, and some can't afford it.  It does add time to the consultation proces.  And yes, misused, it can be all marketing.  But in my view, computer imaging for rhinoplasty is a useful communications tool.  It helps me understand my patients better, and it helps them better understand my aesthetic goal for them.  If we can't agree on imaging, then we shouldn't go ahead.  So I don't think it is a red flag for a surgeon not to use imaging.  It is more important for you to see the surgeon's before and after photos.  Good luck

Videoimaging is a useful communication tool. However, many highly experienced surgeons do not use it or do not use it for every patient. If your surgeon is experienced and has many pleasing before and after photos and has earned your trust, I wouldn't hold a lack of video imaging against them. I hope this information is helpful.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Red flag for not using digital imaging?  I think not.  The only red flag that could be associated with digital imaging is a Surgeon presenting a digitally morphed image as guarantee of result.  In fact, studies have shown about a 40% correlation between preoperative image and result.  My 10 year old boy could do an excellent job digitally morphing a nose, but only an experienced Rhinoplasty Surgeon  will have the judgment, skill, and artistic sensibility to obtain great results.

Digital imaging is a tool that some surgeons use. It has nothing to do with the surgical results the surgeon may get on real people. Your best judge of the surgeon is his surgical results on other patients by meeting with them in real life or if that is not possible by seeing long-term before and after photographs.

I think video imaging is a very useful patient education to before rhinoplasty. This however is nothing to do with the skills of the surgeon.