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 .

 

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