Q: I have been in for a rhinoplasty consultation and you do not
do imaging to show what the nose may look like after surgery. Would you
consider doing this? If not, why not? I am going to have it done but would like
see something like this.
A: In regard to your question regarding computer imaging in
an attempt to better visualize the result of a rhinoplasty. I have
researched this technology extensively and have used the software required for
computer imaging. I have come to the conclusion that this is not a viable
option for my practice for the following reasons.
1. I feel the imaging
process does not give an accurate picture of the result in many cases. This has been a concern with this technology throughout the plastic surgery
community. This discrepancy in anticipated results has lead to a
significant amount of displeasure with patients seeing one result and in
reality not receiving that result.
2. I feel that those users of the
technology tend to over estimate the anticipated result on the computer image,
which can also lead to a strain on the patient to physician relationship. This technology I feel is better suited for showing possible results following
body contouring but is significantly lacking with trying to show the
anticipated results on the face. I try to present a mental pictures to
the patient of the anticipated result. I emphasize shape, tip reduction,
nostril changes and alterations of the bridge of the nose. In this way I
feel that each patient can better understand the anatomy and how we anticipate
the changes that we propose for it. The most common concern that my
patients tell me is that I don’t want my nose to be overdone. We strive
to give a result that looks natural and compliments the overall appearance of
the face.
JR
