Social media has been influential since its rise. You can see photos and videos of everything and everyone online — including after-surgery photos. Sometimes, you may wonder if all these are real and not edited.
Looking at before and after photos is vital in cosmetic surgeries. It can help you understand what services an aesthetic provider offers.
And because technology is fast evolving, it is easy to create a facade online. A 2019 study found a link between photo editing applications and perceptions of plastic surgery.
So how would you know if what you see is real? How can you trust that the photos you’re looking at are genuine?
Dr. Nidal Masri, one of Miami’s top plastic surgeons, has some advice on what to look for in before and after surgery photos.
Why Is It Important To Look at Your Provider’s Gallery?
Every reputable plastic surgeon has before and after pictures —these act as their portfolio, just like artists share their work.
These images, particularly those displayed on social media or a surgeon’s website, may serve as the patient’s initial impression of the practitioner.
Looking through before and after images of past clients is an excellent way to evaluate what results you may expect and whether the provider is a good fit for your particular aesthetic objectives.
Are There Regulations For Before and After Surgery Photos?
There are guidelines for patient photos, including before and after pictures. The first and most significant is patient confidentiality. The provider should obtain consent from the patient before releasing any images.
However, there is a gray area in how images are taken and where they can be disseminated once the patient signs the consent.
The contributors of a 2018 study published in the AMA Journal of Ethics analyze the issues of social media advertising for plastic surgeons.
While many attempts have been made to control the activity, no specific criteria to define the process of taking and posting before and after cosmetic surgery photos have been implemented.
Because there is currently no law governing the advertising of before and after images on social media, the responsibility is on the providers to accurately represent their work. Patients should also exercise caution when analyzing the photos.
How To Look at Before and After Cosmetic Surgery Photos
Since you must figure out if you are looking at genuine photos, here are some tips from Dr. Nidal Masri:
Analyze each photo.
Compare many images of the same procedure; this can often assist you in identifying whether ones have been edited.
Natural skin texture is also a helpful indicator. If the skin appears unusually smooth, this could indicate that the image has been manipulated.
Search for birthmarks, wrinkles, or other skin imperfections in the before and after shots and try to match them up.
If you observe that a birthmark was quite pronounced and distinct in the before picture but no longer exists or is hazy in the after photo, you can assume that the image was edited.
Additionally, an excellent before and after shot of plastic surgery will show if the patient has symmetrical face or body characteristics. It will also indicate if the surgeon has enhanced any asymmetry post-procedure.
Look at different angles.
Different poses and angles are important in before and after photos.
When comparing before and after-surgery photos, consider the consistency in patient poses. Take note of the patient’s head tilt when evaluating lateral and oblique views.
Providers may only use one photo to promote their services on social media platforms. It is best to visit their official website to look at more images.
You may also contact them and request specific photos related to the procedure you are interested in.
Be watchful of photo effects.
Using effects on images can distort details. Zoom effects can make features appear larger or smaller. The rule of thumb is to see if all of the pictures of a specific technique were taken from the same distance.
Other elements that can impact or distort the results in before and after images are the following:
- Lighting
- Uniform camera settings
- Illumination
- Distance and depth
These factors can help to ensure that shadows do not play a role in favoring or hindering surgical outcomes.
Consider looking at videos.
Videos are also a trend in social media nowadays. Yet, outcomes in a video clip may be more challenging to see than in a still photo.
While videos should not be used in place of before and after images, they can be used to support them. Even though you can’t view the patient in the same detail, you can gain a better perspective.
Be mindful of makeup.
You may notice that patients in some photos have makeup on while others do not.
It is not always possible for providers to obtain makeup-free before and after images of every patient. But, it is essential to note that cosmetics may influence the results you see in photos.
Managing Expectations
While photos might impress you, it is also essential to keep your manage your expectations and your goals realistic.
Various techniques have varied results for people. No two patients are the same. Instead of basing your expectations on pictures of your favorite celebrities or influencers, request before and after photos of your provider’s patients for a better perspective of their services.
Many plastic surgeons also use digitized images, which allow patients to preview prospective outcomes before performing the procedure. In this way, you can envision yourself with the possible outcome of the surgery.
Be sure to discuss all your desired results with your surgeon during consultation. Always ask questions if something is unclear to you.
The Bottom Line
While exploring treatment choices online is a vital first step in patient education, depending too much on Instagram’s filtered before and after photos might lead to unrealistic expectations.
Additionally, looking at before and after photos on social media or a provider’s website should be done with a critical eye.
Consultation with a double board-certified professional like Nidal Masri MD will help you better understand the best treatments available for you while ensuring that your expectations are handled and satisfied throughout the process.