Computer Imaging
Dr. Mabrie uses computer imaging to demonstrate potential surgical changes.
Dr. David Mabrie is proud to offer his patients Computer-Generated Imaging as part of his consultation for some plastic surgery procedures of the face. While many San Francisco plastic surgery practices do not offer Computer-Generated Imaging, it is an integral component in our practice because of the many different goals of rhinoplasty, chin augmentation and facial liposuction.
Dr. Mabrie works with men and women from throughout the Bay Area including San Francisco, Oakland, Walnut Creek and Pinole. Request a consultation online, call us at 415-445-9513 or email us today.
When considering rhinoplasty or facial liposuction, there are two factors which make computer imaging helpful. First, the goals are unique to each patient. A nose that might look good to one person may be too thin or too small to another. Second, it is sometimes hard to visualize how changing one area of the face or nose may affect another area. For example, rotating the nasal tip upward may make the nasal hump look smaller. Or augmenting the chin may make the entire nose look better proportioned to the face.
Computer-Generated Imaging - What Is It?
Computer-Generated Imaging (CGI) is a specialized computer program Dr. Mabrie uses during your consultation to manipulate or "morph" your photographs. This process is an extremely valuable communication tool allowing you the ability to develop and visualize surgical goals – right before your eyes!
Am I a Good Candidate for CGI?
Not all cosmetic surgery procedures are suitable for CGI. The program is most beneficial for San Francisco rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery, facial sculpting or liposuction, and chin augmentation surgery.
Computer Imaging with Rhinoplasty... A Tale of Two Noses
Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult of cosmetic procedures. In addition to being technically challenging to create certain physical changes, there is a great diversity in anatomy and patient goals. Indeed, no two rhinoplasties are exactly the same.
The goals of one patient may be very different from another. One of the integral parts of our practice is being in-tune to each patients' goals and making each procedure a fine-tuned, unique event. We don't believe in creating cookie-cutter noses; rather we believe in creating a customized surgical plan that honors your ethnicity and unique characteristics.
The following two cases illustrate how computer imaging may be helpful.
Case 1: Hump Reduction
This 34 year old Sales Representative from the United Kingdom was interested in improving the symmetry of her nose, particular her nasal tip. She also wanted to reduce the severity of her nasal hump, but it was very important the nose still have a strong dorsum and wasn't too small for her face. She definitely did not want a concave or "ski slope" nose.
Goal: Lower hump, leave a strong profile, slightly shorten nose
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Results: A well-proportioned nose, slightly shorter with a strong profile. Note that the result does differ from the CGI but achieves the overall goals.
Case 2: Hump Reduction
This 35 year old San Francisco student was interested in making refinements to her nose, which she felt was overpowering her face.
Goals: To remove the nasal hump, creating a softer, more effeminate nose, and possibly having a slight concavity or slope.
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Results: A softer nose with a straight profile, and a very slight concavity.
Chin Augmentation and Facial Liposuction: Refined and Slim-lined
Case 3: Chin Augmentation with Facelift
This 69 year old San Francisco Bay Area real estate agent was interested in improving his profile and rejuvenating his face. While he was initially interested in a facelift, Dr. Mabrie was able to illustrate how a chin implant would further add strength to his profile using Computer-Generated Imaging.
Goals: Define jaw structure, improve sagging of skin
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Pre-operative image of man who wanted to improve his profile and decrease his jowling. |
Computer-generated of image of possible results with facelift only. |
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Computer-generated image of possible results with facelift and chin implant. |
Surgical results after facelift and chin implant. |
Results: Facial structure well defined, skin lifted and tight, youthful appearance restored
Case 4: Chin Augmentation with Liposuction
This San Francisco nurse in her 50's consulted with Dr. Mabrie to resolve the imbalance of her chin with the rest of her face. The combination of chin augmentation and liposuction would provide the definition and balance she was seeking, as well as tighten the skin in her cheeks.
Goals: Create balance and definition to the face and neck
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Woman who wanted to improve her profile and decrease her jowling. |
Computer-generated image of surgical goals with chin augmentation and submental liposuction. |
Actual surgical result two months after chin implant and liposuction. |
Results: The chin is in good proportion and balance with the rest of the face, the skin in the cheeks is tightened and lifted
How Does Computer Imaging Work?
When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Mabrie, he will take several photographs of your face with a digital camera. He'll then display the images on a computer screen, and demonstrate the impact various physical changes can have.
Computer imaging is most effective for patients considering changes to parts of the face with some underlying bone structure. Dr. Mabrie uses it often with patients seeking cheek reduction, chin augmentation, facelift and rhinoplasty. Computer imaging cannot show you exactly what you will look like after surgery and should not be used as a guarantee of surgical results. It can be very beneficial, however, in helping you visualize your surgical outcome and assisting you and Dr. Mabrie in developing the right surgical plan together.
