How Realistic Are Before-and-After Photo Simulations in Rhinoplasty?

This is one of the first things almost everyone considering rhinoplasty wonders about. Many patients who see the digital photo simulations made at the first examination think that the image on the screen will emerge exactly after surgery. However, in reality the situation is a little different from this.

Photo simulations are an important part of rhinoplasty planning; but they are not a "guarantee photo" that shows the definite result. The main aim is to create a common aesthetic language between the surgeon and the patient, to clarify expectations and to make the planned changes more understandable.

For this reason, correctly interpreting the simulation images helps you prepare for the surgical process with more realistic expectations.

Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil, while benefiting from digital simulations in rhinoplasty planning, evaluates them only as a communication and planning tool. Since each patient's skin structure, bone anatomy and recovery process are different, she explains in detail that the final result will develop individually.

A photo simulation is a planning method in which possible aesthetic changes are visualised by making digital edits on the patient's face photos taken from different angles.

During this work;

• The nasal arch can be reduced,

• The nasal tip can be repositioned,

• The nasal bridge can be corrected,

• The angle between the nose and the lip can be evaluated,

• The general proportions of the face can be analysed.

The aim here is not "to produce an after-surgery photo" but to evaluate the planned aesthetic changes together with the patient.

The biggest advantage of digital simulations is that they strengthen the communication between the patient and the doctor.

Because the statement "I want a natural nose" can carry a different meaning for everyone.

While some patients want only the nasal arch to be corrected, another may dream of the nasal tip looking a little more upturned.

Thanks to photo simulation, these expectations become concrete and possible misunderstandings can be prevented.

At the same time, the surgeon can also more easily explain to the patient which changes will look natural by evaluating the general proportions of the face.

Short answer: No.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings about rhinoplasty.

Digital simulations are not a prediction but a planning study. The appearance to be obtained after surgery is shaped by the person's anatomical features and recovery process as much as by the surgical technique.

For this reason the image on the screen represents the aesthetic approach targeted to be reached; it does not give an exact result guarantee.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on living tissues.

An image on a computer screen cannot show biological recovery processes.

There are many factors affecting the result.

In people with a thick skin structure, the definition of the nasal contours can take longer.

In thin skin, the changes made can be seen much more clearly.

Every patient's nasal skeleton is different.

The thickness of the bone structure, the durability of the cartilage and the nasal anatomy directly affect the surgical techniques that can be applied.

The oedema that forms after rhinoplasty can vary from person to person.

The swelling seen in the first months can cause the nose to look larger than it is.

The emergence of the final result often requires patience.

Every person's wound healing is different.

For this reason, even if the same technique is applied, the recovery process may not proceed completely the same in two different people.

A successful digital simulation should not look only aesthetic.

At the same time it should be realistic.

In a well-prepared simulation;

• the facial proportions are preserved,

• the person's characteristic expression is not lost,

• the anatomical limits are not exceeded,

• changes that are not possible to achieve are not proposed.

This approach already lies at the basis of natural rhinoplasty.

When looking at a simulation, focusing only on the nose is not correct.

You can ask yourself the following questions:

• Does my nose look in harmony with my face?

• Has my expression stayed natural?

• Does my nose stand out, or does it look like a part of my face?

• Does the change made preserve my facial character?

In a successful rhinoplasty, people notice not the change in your nose but that your face looks more balanced.

Yes, but it should not be the only criterion.

A simulation study prepared by a surgeon can help you understand;

• their aesthetic understanding,

• their approach to facial proportions,

• their perspective on naturalness.

However, in choosing a doctor;

• experience,

• patient evaluation,

• the examination process,

• communication,

• surgical planning,

many criteria such as these must be evaluated together.

Some patients may want to see the noses they see on social media on their own faces too.

However, every face is not the same.

A nose planned smaller than necessary for the facial structure can cause;

• breathing problems,

• disruption of the facial proportions,

• an unnatural expression.

For this reason experienced surgeons try to establish the correct balance between aesthetic expectation and anatomical reality.

Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil, while carefully listening to her patients' wishes in the digital planning process, at the same time aims to offer natural and functionally safe solutions suited to the facial anatomy.

The appearance obtained right after rhinoplasty may not be the same as the image in the simulation.

Because in the first weeks the oedema is quite prominent.

In general;

• The splint is removed in the first week.

• In the first month the main contours of the nose begin to take shape.

• Within the first six months most of the oedema decreases.

• The final result emerges within 12 months in most patients.

In people with a thick skin structure, this process can take longer.

On its own, no.

However, when used correctly, it can make important contributions to surgical planning.

Because it both allows patient expectations to be clarified and offers the surgeon a common reference for explaining the aesthetic goals.

This also helps establish healthier communication.

One of the most important elements of a successful rhinoplasty is that the patient's expectations are compatible with the results that can be achieved surgically.

Realistic expectations;

• can increase surgical satisfaction,

• can prevent unnecessary disappointments,

• can strengthen the relationship of trust between the patient and the doctor.

For this reason digital simulations should be evaluated for the purpose of "explaining the target to be reached" rather than "showing the result that will happen."

Digital simulations in rhinoplasty, when used correctly, are a quite valuable planning tool for both the patient and the physician. However, these images should not be evaluated as the definite surgical result. Especially for people researching rhinoplasty in the field of aesthetics in İzmir, it is important to know that simulations are prepared for the purpose of creating realistic expectations.

Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil, while benefiting from digital simulations in rhinoplasty planning, evaluates her patients' facial proportions, skin structure, bone anatomy and aesthetic expectations together. Thus she aims to create a surgical plan that both preserves the natural appearance and is functionally safe.

The photo simulations prepared before rhinoplasty are one of the most valuable planning tools of the surgery. However, the aim of these studies is not to show the definite result; it is to create a common aesthetic understanding between the doctor and the patient and to make the expectations clearer.

Since every individual's skin structure, bone anatomy and recovery process are different, the after-surgery appearance is also shaped individually. For this reason, in a successful rhinoplasty process, the most important element is not to focus only on the digital image but the comprehensive evaluation and realistic planning done by an experienced surgeon.