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.

Computer imaging is about improving communication between the patient and their surgeon as to goals and expectations. The type of imaging is not important, whether it is achieving these goals is. If you would feel more comfortable with 3D imaging than by all means you should do it. But remember that imaging does not mean that is how the surgery will turn out. It is a goal but not a guaranteed result.

No imaging before a rhinoplasty will guarantee what your result will be. The way your actual nose and tissue is manipulated is very different than manipulating a photo. Does your surgeon guarantee your nose will be like the photo created?  Make sure to have an open and honest discussion with your surgeon. It is helpful to have a discussion and review photos of the result you desire, however you and your surgeon still need to deal with and discuss your unique characteristics. Best wishes,Dr. Peterson

 While 3-D computer imaging might be nice, it is more important to know whether or not the surgeon can deliver the results you are seeking. In our practice, computer imaging  is used routinely for patient's as part of the consultation. Computer imaging also works the best from the side profile. More important than the computer imaging is looking at  your perspective surgeon's before and after photo gallery. Rhinoplasty is one of the hardest operations to perform correctly in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so choose your surgeon very wisely based on experience. Computer imaging is only a communication tool between the surgeon the patient, not a guarantee of results

3d imaging is a great tool to facilitate communication between you and surgeon. That being said, no simulation can really guarantee a result or necessarily predict the complexities of real surgery. Like surgery, does the value of having this extra service help you feel comfortable about making the next step?

3D and all morphing software are just a computerized painting of your nose. This is not indicative of the nose that your surgeon is going to provide you. There is no benefit in you wasting money on this service. Instead, focus on your surgeon of choice results. 

If the doctor has performed over 100 rhinoplasties then I don't feel 3D imaging is needed, unless it makes you feel more comfortable about the procedure.

Dear Tinkerbelle14, In my practice imaging is used as a technique to show the patient a realistic expectation of their proposed surgery during consultation. I do not charge for imaging and have not heard of surgeons charging for different types of imaging. Imaging is a tool used to help the patient see the proposed result. Once this result is decided upon then it is the surgeons job to discuss with the patient what will be done surgically to attain this desired result. I would also look at your surgeons actual before and after photographs for noses similar to your own and see if you like the results.  You may also see imaged photographs of the same patients next to their   actual after photographs and  see how close in proximity your surgeons digital imaging is to the actual results. It is important to be an artist both in imaging and surgery. First, to give your patient's a realistic idea of proposed surgery, secondly and more importantly to achieve the desired results surgically!  Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.