Many plastic surgeons have adopted computer imaging for use in their patient consultations. These high tech systems can be helpful tools for managing patient expectations before rhinoplasty or breast augmentation. But are they perfectly accurate?
But can patients expect 3D imaging systems to predict their plastic surgery results with perfect accuracy? According to a study published in the current issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, their accuracy is moderately effective.
A study by Dr. Umang Mehta was performed to “quantitatively measure accuracy of preoperative computer imaging as a reflection of postoperative rhinoplasty results.” To carry out the study, the doctor enrolled 38 subjects who underwent rhinoplasty. Both surgeons and non-surgeons were asked to compare the post-operative rhinoplasty photos with the predictive results from the computer imaging system.
According to the panel of expert judges in this study, the predictive accuracy of the computer imaging system scored a moderate rating of 2.98 on a 5-point scale. Slightly higher scores were submitted by the participating patients and non-surgeon judges.
What does this mean for the future of computer imaging in cosmetic surgery? The accuracy of imaging systems could (and most likely will) be improved. But predicting the results is not the only aspect that matters in a consultation. As the authors mention, viewing the 3D images is a “useful exercise,” just like your surgeon’s clinical before and after photos; they serve as a tool for productive discussion about aesthetics and shared goals for the procedure.
