Do most (highly skilled) surgeons use before and after photo simulations for facelifts?

Great question. I have gone back and forth with using this technology vs not. I have been operating and managing patient expectations for over 20 years- showing previous patient photos and having a patient hold their own mirror while I manually lift their face. So far this has worked great in my hands, and I have a very small percentage of people who say they "expected more". I think whatever technique a surgeon is using just needs to work with their patients and help them to understand the type of results they can reasonably expect. 

That is a great question.  I have colleagues who use imaging simulation all the time, and I have colleagues who don't use it at all.  I feel that true before/afters of actual patients can illustrate procedures though simultations can give a patient some idea, but not likely provide the 'actual' result

Thank you for your question .I do 3D imaging in my office to check the face out and for explaining to the patients but do not use morphing software. It is better to explain with lifting the skin manually in the vectors where surgery would aim to lift the tissues. A detailed examination and showing my previous before and afters is more honest and easier to explain than using the software. Some surgeons may find the software more useful. 
Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns.All the best!

I previously used simulation software for every facial rejuvenation procedure on every patient, including facelifts, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, brow lifts, etc. In most cases, I use simulations only for rhinoplasty now. I find that facial rejuvenation patients can get just as much of an idea about their predicted surgical results by looking at before and after images of my patients on my website, social media, etc. Computer simulations sometimes look unrealistic (not always with respect to the amount of improvement, but simply the appearance of the skin, shape of the tissues, etc), and don't really add much value to the patient. I do perform facelift simulations if a patient requests them.All the best,

Thank you for your question.  We do not personally use this software, we use comprehensive consultation, examinations and clear before and after pictures of all our previous patients.  This helps patients gage what results can be achieved.  We have a whole portfolio of pictures so patients can typical find someone who has a similar face shape or bone structure to them.  All The Best 

Before and after facial simulations can help to some degree and I suspect it's surgeon's preference.  I have found that these simulations work better for assessing the nose, the chin and the neck than for face lifting.  I always warn patients that this does not necessarily imply or guarantee an outcome but rather as a springboard for discussion during the consultation process.  The most important piece of advice would be to seek a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in facial rejuvenation.  Good luck with your search.  

Hi this is a question that comes up quite frequently. Photo morphing is extremely popular in rhinoplasty and is commonly done for the front view and profile view photographs. This is because in 2 dimensions it is easy to manipulate the pixels and create a realistic simulation that can be used as a guide for the operation. Unfortunately, for facelift surgery it is very difficult to reliably create computer simulations because this requires moving pixels in 3 dimensions and it will result in a great deal of distortion in the photograph. A better way for you to get a sense of what you can expect is to look through the surgeon's before & after gallery for pictures of patients who have similar pre-operative anatomy. This should give you a more accurate depiction of what sort of result you can expect from your surgeon. Good luck!

Morphing software can certainly help with the consultation and I use it to some degree.  In face lift consultations the most effective tool to simulate your potential results is for your surgeon to elevate your face and neck manually.  They should be able to provide you with an accurate and honest picture of what you can expect following a well performed face and neck lift.  Before and after photos are also invaluable and ask to speak with a prior patient or two with regards to their experience and outcome.

I would have to assume that most facelift surgeons don't use simulations, but many rhinoplasty surgeons do. The reality of the simulations is completely at the control of the person adjusting the image on the computer. If they understand the expected outcome and show that, then the image will be quite realistic. If the image seems too good to be true, it might be, it's just an image. See a facelift surgeon with extensive experience and you'll most likely get a really good idea of what to expect.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Hello and thank you for your question. I highly recommend focusing much more on before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with facial and neck laxity similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon. Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon