computer_imaging

Computer Imaging

Many plastic surgeons use a computer imaging machine during consultations to show patients an estimate of post-operative appearance. A photograph of the patient is transferred to a computer screen and then altered by the surgeon to approximate the post-operative result. Physicians who use imaging find that computer-generated pictures can enhance doctor-patient communication. It's important to realize that a computer image may not match reality and represents no guarantee of outcome. No computer can take into account a patient's skin elasticity, bone structure, blood supply and healing ability.