Could something as seemingly harmless as Photoshop actually be dangerous? When it comes to plastic surgery, the answer is, yes.
If savvy enough, Photoshop can be used to create alterations to the body and facial features that are either not feasible or misleading.
“The appearance of advertisements with extremely altered models can create unrealistic expectations of appropriate body image,” according to a press release from the American Medical Association,
While this statement was intended to address image manipulation in the media, the point they make is true. Photoshop can create images that people feel are attainable when they aren’t even real. This can become dangerous when it comes to plastic surgery patients who feel like they can predict how their procedures will turn out or the level of improvement that can be attained.
“Just because you were able to make your waist 10 inches smaller and erase all of the wrinkles from your face doesn’t mean a surgeon can or that it’s even physically possible given your age or body type,” says Dr. Andrew Miller.
Another problem is that many patients don’t realize how the changes they make actually create even more unflattering changes that they can’t see. This can be especially true with procedures like rhinoplasty.
“Many patients fail to take into account how the changes they make to their nose on Photoshop will reflect in a profile (side view) of their face,” says Dr. Miller who performs breast augmentation in New Jersey. “Many times the alterations they have made would reflect very poorly. It’s my job as the surgeon to point this out and do my best to manage my patient’s expectations by explaining this from my vast experience and training.”
Other procedures that don’t always correlate well when performed with Photoshop include:
- Brow lift
- Liposuction
- Post-Bariatric surgery
- Breast lift
Another problem with Photoshop is getting carried away with alterations. If you are looking into rhinoplasty and use Photoshop to shorten your nose a little and then get carried away and give your brows a slight arch, erase your smile lines, make your teeth larger and smile wider, of course, you’re going to think you look good. However, the problem is that your satisfaction isn’t based solely on your nose alterations.
“Even if you did a superb job ‘Photoshopping’ your nose and I agree that it’s suitable and can replicate it, the results will probably disappoint you initially,” says Dr. Miller. “You look at that picture and see a better looking you, but your rhinoplasty wasn’t going to arch your brows, highlight your hair or make your eyes and smile wider.”
The safest method for deciding what alterations are physically possible or will look best on your face or body is to take part in a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. After discussing what it is you don’t like about say, your nose, we will create a solution we think addresses your concerns and is attainable. From there, we will work with you to tweak the surgery until it meets your needs so you are satisfied and happy with the result. The ultimate goal is to meet or exceed your expectations.
If you are interested in breast enhancement, lip enhancement, or a tummy tuck in New Jersey, we recommend that you schedule a free consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During this time they will address any questions or concerns you have and work closely with you to customize a procedure that will deliver the results you desire.
