Current and Future Photography Techniques in Aesthetic Surgery

BACKGROUND: The rapidly increasing modalities and mediums of clinical photography, use of 3-dimensional (3D) and 4-dimensional (4D) patient modeling, and widening implementation of cloud-based storage and artificial intelligence (AI) call for an overview of various methods currently in use as well as future considerations in the field. OBJECTIVES: Through a close look at the methods used in aesthetic surgery photography, clinicians will be able to select the modality best suited to their practice and goals. METHODS: Review and discussion of current data pertaining to: 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D clinical photography, current photography software, augmented reality reconstruction, AI photography, and cloud-based storage. RESULTS: Important considerations for current image capture include a device with a gridded viewing screen and high megapixel resolution, a tripod with leveling base, studio lighting with dual-sourced light, standardized matte finish background, and consistency in patient orientation. Currently, 3D and 4D photography devices offer advantages such as improved communication to the patient on outcome expectation and better quality of patient service and safety. AI may contribute to post-capture processing and 3D printing of postoperative outcomes. Current smartphones distort patient perceptions about their appearance and should be used cautiously in an aesthetic surgery setting. Cloud-based storage provides flexibility, cost, and ease of service while remaining vulnerable to data breaches. CONCLUSIONS: While there are advancements to be made in the physical equipment and preparation for the photograph, the future of clinical photography will be heavily influenced by innovations in software and 3D and 4D modeling of outcomes.