Thanks to a software tool used by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Cosmetic Surgery Department, patients can see pictures of how they may look after certain facial cosmetic procedures.

Photos are taken of the patient and the images are downloaded to the mirror imaging software, then changes are made to the images based on information from the cosmetic surgeon. The patient can then view pictures of his or her appearance "before" compared to likely "after" outcomes of different facial surgeries, such as changes to the nose, face, eyes, forehead and chin.

"The mirror imaging software helps educate our patients about how they may look after surgical changes discussed during a consultation," explains cosmetic surgeon Roy Hong, M.D. "We are careful to make changes so the patient has a realistic view of how they may appear following surgery. Such an exercise is helpful not only for the patient, but also for the surgeon to ensure the patient has reasonable expectations."

Jill Vallero, cosmetic surgery coordinator, agrees that setting reasonable expectations is a big part of the mirror imaging process. She is responsible for morphing the photos, working closely with the cosmetic surgeon to ensure that the images are conservative and as close to a realistic end result as possible.

"The tool not only helps us show patients the outcomes of cosmetic procedures, but it also improves communication between the doctor and the patient," Vallero says. "It gives a patient the opportunity to visualize the possible outcome and tell the surgeon what they like and don't like."

This tool also helps the surgeon suggest alternative procedures that may be beneficial to the patient. For example, a patient might think he wants to do an upper eyelid lift, but after seeing a picture, he may decide to do his lower lids to achieve a better outcome.

"Patients like bringing the photos home with them to share with their spouses and spend time making an informed decision," Vallero says. "They don't feel pressured to book the procedure during their consultation. It allows them to spend time with the photos and see what they really like and dislike about the changes. Then, they can come back for another consultation with the doctor to discuss their concerns."

After the surgery, patients are encouraged to come back into the office to get true "after" photos taken, so they can see the actual difference in their appearance compared to the "before" pictures.

The mirror imaging software is available in the Cosmetic Surgery Department at both the Palo Alto Clinic and Fremont Center.

Learn more about the cosmetic procedures available to patients.