Abstract
Consistent photographic technique pre and postoperatively is essential in plastic surgery. Poor and nonuniform technique can give misleading results or some tricks can be used on purpose to improve results. For a plastic surgeon it is important to know and recognize these tricks to objectively evaluate photographs. The most important factors for uniform photographic technique are: light, lens, distance, background, and patient's position. In the future 3D cameras connected to a personal computer will give more possibilities to objectively quantify results in plastic surgery.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chapple JG, Stephenson KL (1970) Photographic misinterpresentation. Plast Reconstr Surg 45:135
Dickason WL, Hanna DC (1976) Pitfalls of comparative photography in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 58:166
Lunnon RJ (1970) Basic medical photography for the dermatologist. Br J Dermatol 83:493
McDowell F (1976) On necessity of precision photographic documentation in plastic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 58:214
Morello DC, Converse JM, Allen D (1977) Making uniform photographic records in plastic surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg 59:366
Thomas JR, Tardy ME, Przekop H (1980) Uniform photographic documentation in facial plastic surgery. Otolaryngol Clin North Am 113:367
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Salmil, A., Alstela, J., Asko-Seljavaara, S. et al. True lies — photographic misinterpretation in plastic surgery. Eur J Plast Surg 20, 292–296 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01387853
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01387853