Ask An Expert: How Important Is Computer Imaging Before Rhinoplasty?

Question: "Is it customary for surgeons to want to review imaging at the pre-op appointment with the patient so both are on the same page about the surgical plan? Also, should imaging be available to see at pre-op appointment so both patient and doctor can discuss any last minute changes? Would love to know the thoughts of other credible surgeons and how you handle this before a permanent operation occurs. Thank you"

Answer: "Imaging is an essential part of my practice both for having a common visual goal between the surgeon and patient, and also for planning purposes for the surgeon. When performing computer imaging, I think about every move I would make in surgery to get the desired result. With this approach, I hope my imaging is more realistic. I do imaging only for procedures that "transform" a patient, i.e. fundamentally change the way a patient looks (e.g. rhinoplasty, chin implants). This helps ensure to the patient that the proposed change will look good. I tell patients that I cannot exactly match the picture, but can get within 90%. For a patient with reasonable expectations, this is satisfactory. I do not think imaging is useful for "restorative" procedures (e.g. eyelid surgery, facelifts) as the goal here is to bring the patient back in time. In these cases, imaging can be very inaccurate and create false expectations."

Dr. Anand Patel specializes in procedures of the face and neck, with a philosophy of natural and long-lasting rejuvenation. For more information on rhinoplasty, visit our rhinoplasty page. Interested in rhinoplasty at Visage Facial Plastic Surgery? Click here to schedule your free phone consultation.