Preoperative Computer Imaging in Rhinoplasty

Dr. Schwartz says: "I find computer imaging to be a great communication tool for my rhinoplasty patients and me." Many patients come in with a picture in their mind of a certain nose on their face. Others may be focused on only one area they want changed and don't appreciate that when this is altered other areas become noticed in a way they were not previously and will need to be addressed as well. Computer imaging helps them see what the best options for them are and make certain that Dr. Schwartz understands what they want to achieve. "I want to be on the same page with my patients," says Dr. Schwartz "and this gives me the best opportunity to give them the result they want." Many patients express concern about how accurate computer imaging is in predicting their result. "I tell my patients that computer imaging is not a guarantee, but I will only show them a result that I think I can achieve for them," says Dr. Schwartz. "If we use it as a guide to set boundaries of being realistic about expectations of how small or how wide or how much change will occur it helps us both."

The following photos are examples of how computer imaging can be used to preview and guide surgical results. On all photos the pre operative photo is on the left or on top, the computer image is in the center or above right, and the actual postoperative result is on the right or bottom right.