3-D Imaging Shows Results Before Plastic Surgery

by Ginger Allen
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21)

What if you could see the results of your cosmetic surgery even before you go under the knife?  That's the idea behind new technology one North Texas doctor is using in his practice.

Dr. Spencer Cochran's patient, Jennifer, has suffered with breathing problems for years.  "I have memories of being in middle school and not liking my nose," she explained.  Jennifer has a deviated septum and is also a little self conscious about how her nose looks.  "It's really noticeable from the profile, I think."

When Jennifer went to the Texas Institute for Surgery she discovered that Dr. Cochran is using special 3-D technology that gives patients an advanced look at how their nose will appear after surgery.

"The two of us kind of find a common ground to find something that not only would be realistically achieved but something that they would be pleased with as well," Dr. Cochran said of his patient consultations.

About a month before her surgery, Dr. Cochran takes a series of close up pictures of Jennifer's nose, from different angles.  "It was really cool to see and it really helped me to see the changes and helped me to see the problems I was having," said Jennifer.

A computer program allows her to see exactly which areas Dr. Cochran will repair.  During the procedure, he will remove the hump on Jennifer's bridge and set the tip of her nose back closer to her face.

Dr. Cochran takes the 3-D images into the operating room to help guide him through the surgery.  The images were something Jennifer also found beneficial.  "It's nice to just kind of look at it and reassure myself that I'm not doing something I'm going to regret.

Two weeks after the procedure, Dr. Cochran takes follow up pictures with the same 3-D camera.  And although Jennifer is still a little swollen, she's amazed how her outcome matches the 3-D images she saw before surgery.  "I'm happy with it after two weeks, I'm really happy with the profile," she said.

Currently, the 3-D imagery is mostly being used for Rhinoplasty procedures, but could be expanded to other surgeries in the future.

See related video here.

Article posted by permission, see article at source here.

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