… isn't about technology … isn't about hardware and software … isn't about a pretty picture. It's a way you can communicate "the picture you have in your mind" to your plastic surgeon and obtain your surgeon's opinion of a realistic result.

The Process
With computer imaging, we take your photo with a digital camera and present your image on the computer screen. Using the technology available, we modify your image to demonstrate possible surgical outcomes.

Your goals and expectations
Computer imaging allows us to present a side-by-side before-and-after image. Using these images you help us learn exactly what you are trying to achieve. As we listen to your concerns and learn about your expectations, we use computer imaging to help you understand your options. Both you and your plastic surgeon benefit.

As your plastic surgeon learns more about what you have in mind, you discover what the realistic possibilities are. For example this photo demonstrates an excellent use of computer imaging. The first photo is the before image, the second photo is the image generated by the computer of the possibilities with cosmetic surgery; the third photo is the after photo. With the capability of computer imaging, we are able to present realistic treatment outcomes.

Limitations of computer imaging

Like all technology, computer imaging has its strengths and limitations. One limitation of computer imaging can be an implied promise to make you look exactly as the image appears on the screen. It goes without saying that the process of changing an image on a computer screen is quite different from the surgical process.

Our discussion

Once the images of your potential results are presented, we encourage you to take time to consider them and ask questions. As we review your images together, we use this time to answer questions and discuss options. For example, some patients have done extensive research, have put a great deal to time and thought into their decision, have realistic expectations and are ready to proceed with plastic surgery. Others may like what they see but are not ready for cosmetic surgery. Having a consultation and computer imaging does not mean you are ready to sign up for surgery.

Plastic surgeons may be limited by the anatomy that is presented to them, wound healing, a patient's general state of health and compliance with postoperative instructions among other factors. The image you see on the computer screen is not a guarantee of a surgical result.

Imaging is not great for all procedures. The plastic surgery procedures best demonstrated by computer imaging are nose (rhinoplasty), face lift and chin implant surgery. In the right hands, computer imaging is used to present a natural image (not an idealized image) of what is possible with cosmetic surgery.

"In the right hands" is no small part of the previous statement. Creating a realistic postoperative image requires knowledge of facial anatomy and limitations of the plastic surgery. Also, the modified image presented is highly dependent on your plastic surgeon and staff's ability and experience with the software.