When it comes to any sort of surgery, it's important for patients to understand the procedure they're about to undergo and what the outcomes might be. Before and after photos of other patients can be a good gauge for a plastic surgeon's expertise, but patients really want to know the results of surgery performed on their own face.
These concerns are especially important with rhinoplasty (nose job). One change to the nose can have a major impact on the overall appearance of the face. Digital imaging at our San Mateo, CA practice can help simulate the outcomes of a rhinoplasty, giving patients an accurate, predictive image of their face before and after surgery. That's why we're proud to use Vectra 3D imaging.
About Vectra 3D Imaging
Vectra 3D imaging is one of the most state-of-the-art options available for plastic surgery imaging. Multiple digital cameras take high-resolution photos of a patient's face. No special lighting is required, and the process is simple: just sit down and have your picture taken.
Using this multi-angle visual data, a plastic surgeon now has a photorealistic digital model of a patient's face. The surgeon can make adjustments to different facial features in order to see what the results of different kinds of surgeries might look like.
How Realistic Are the Images?
The current and predictive images from the Vectra 3D are highly accurate and realistic. In addition to the extremely detailed dimensions and measurements of various facial features, the proprietary technology of the Vectra 3D system also accounts for the patient's skin tone. It's little things like this that make the technology especially appealing.
Before and After: Seeing the Real Difference
As we noted above, it's important that patients get a real sense of the before-and-after of their own surgery. Predictive Vectra 3D imaging makes this a possibility. Patients get to see how a change in the size or shape of their nose affects their appearance in a very realistic way.
This could help people who are skeptical or ambivalent about getting a rhinoplasty. If the predictive models are promising, they may feel more comfortable about this investment in their appearance.
Helping Patients Understand What's Possible
With Vectra 3D, surgeons can explore many potential treatment plans with the patient. This means not just a single predictive image but multiple rhinoplasty possibilities, each one different. Patients can look at the various imaging results, viewing their own face from different angles. The patient is then able to pick the one image that best meets their needs.
In essence, Vectra 3D gives patients more control over the nature of their surgery. It also helps plastic surgeons know exactly what a patient wants in a concrete way. The image can be used as reference when creating a rhinoplasty treatment plan.
Improving Patient Satisfaction
One of the best things about Vectra 3D is how the technology increases patient satisfaction. Patients get the surgery they want, and plastic surgeons know what kinds of results to aim toward. With predictive digital imaging, patients are less likely to experience regret, and have a very low chance of seeking a secondary, corrective rhinoplasty later on.
Learn More about Rhinoplasty
If you would like to learn more about rhinoplasty and how it can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon.
