Should I pay extra for 3D imaging for rhinoplasty or is normal imaging sufficient? What would be the benefits be?

Dear TinkerbelleThe  primary purpose of imaging in rhinoplasty is to improve communication between you and your surgeon so you are both on the same page as to the results that you want and are safely achievable. If standard imaging has not accomplished that, there might be an advantage in 3D imaging. I have not found that to be the case in my practice.

Dear Tinkerbelle14 in Ukiah:



You raise a good question. Frankly, since most photographs are taken in
2-dimensions, 2-dimension computer imaging is satisfactory. 3-D is a nifty technology, and if you want to
have it, certainly go forth and do it, but that is not really going to impact
on the decision making. Your surgeon
with your input will make recommendations as to what will be appropriate. I highly endorse computer imaging and feel
that a consultation without computer imaging is of much less value.



Best wishes,



Robert
Kotler, MD, FACS

Computer simulated images help the the surgeon to understand patient's desires and expectations. Usually 2D images from front, profile, 3/4th profile and basal views are enough to reach an agreement. Sometimes I do step by step computer simulations for my patients and discuss with them e.g. How the alar flare would reduce after a tip plasty and how would it look if we add alar wedge resection to it or should we add a sill excision too. Sometimes just to improve a communication with my intelligent patients I ask them to make their own simulation of the result they are expecting using various apple and android apps. However, If you feel that you are not being able to communicate your requirements to your surgeon through a 2D image then your surgeon should arrange for a 3D image or even a 4D model to help you in that. I believe your doctor should not cost you extra unless he has to outsource it.