What is Computer Imaging

Chances are you have a picture in your mind of how you want to look after a plastic surgery procedure. But how will that look measure up to with the actual results? With the advancement of computer imaging for cosmetic surgeons, you don't have to wait to find out! Computer imaging can show you the anticipated results before starting any procedure. It will help you make better-informed decisions that you'll be happy to live with!

Computer imaging, which is also known as digital imaging, is an advanced field of computer science that constitutes manipulating digital images, particularly bit-mapped images. Computer imaging is a wide field that includes digital photography, scanning, and composition and manipulation of bit-mapped graphics. It is extensively used in the plastic surgery industry particularly during pre-operative consultation periods so that the potential patient has a visual grasp of the possible result following any given plastic surgery procedure, whether it be a breast augmentation, facial resurfacing, or a tummy tuck.

Computer imaging is an integrated simulation system, primarily used as to develop stronger communication during consultation periods, which helps you convey your desired look to the surgeon. Surgeons have found that the use of computer imaging improves doctor-patient communication.

A digital photograph of the patient is scanned onto the computer and then altered by the surgeon or patient to approximate the desired post-operative result. Many different scenarios can be played out to demonstrate what the outcome would be following various surgical maneuvers. The computer generated "before and after" photo is an excellent medium to help both the patient and surgeon determine if they are on the same page about the patient's desired outcome.

Computer imaging removes the mystery of "what might be" and bestows a discreet way of seeing the possibilities of plastic surgery. Our proprietary imaging method uses input from actual cosmetic surgery results, and we do not rely on a "computer fantasy" approach. In today's information age, it is even possible to conduct your own computer image evaluation through the many computer imaging services available on the world wide web.

Despite the buzz created by this innovative technology, concerns have been raised because the image can be so realistic that the patient might not understand that the image is not a prediction of the surgical result. That is why all plastic surgeons strongly note that it is important to realize that a computer image may not match reality and represents no guarantee of outcome. It is strictly a tool to approximate post-operative results, and for the surgeon and patient to generate a strategy to go about doing that.

In almost all cases, the patient will understand this through consultation, and are pleased with any kind of information that can produce a more well-informed decision, having seen what is surgically feasible and what is not. Computer imaging has become a powerful too for this and the benefits have been greatly reaped by both surgeons and patients.