Digital Photography in Plastic Surgery

ABSTRACT

Photography is essential for facial plastic surgery practice and has been used for documentation of patients, assessment of operative result, research, education, publication and medicolegal defense. With rapidly advancing technology, digital photography is emerging as a standard method for patient documentation in clinical setting. Digital photogrphs are captured on CCD(charged coupler device) of camera, and stored in flash memory in camera such as Compact Flash and Smarta Media card and transferred to a computer. The image may be immediately viewed on LCD(liquid crystal display) screen of the camera and reshot if necessary, and may be manipulated using photo-editing software programs, easily incorporated into digital presentation. The advantage of long-term storage, easy retrieval, and database organization make digital photography even more appealing. The authors intend to discuss considerations in selecting digital camera and photographic methods to acquire better image in plastic practice, and recommend digital photography as a new standard for conventional 35-mm film photography for general use in plastic surgery.