Dr. Brett Kotlus, a cosmetic surgeon at Allure Medical Spa in Shelby Township, raves about the 3-D system he uses to simulate surgery on prospective clients. The Vectra 3-D from Canfield Imaging Systems takes an image of the face or body with 12 different digital cameras at once, with a resolution of 36 megapixels. "This 3-D system has a clever interface that constructs a realistic, modifiable image that can be sculpted in the same way that cosmetic surgery would sculpt a nose or a breast. Within minutes, we can see possible surgical results. In this scenario, a picture is truly worth a thousand words," explains Dr. Kotlus. On a computer screen, the patient sees side-by-side pictures, an untouched version and a surgery simulation.
3-D imaging has emerged as a modern method that helps cosmetic surgeons and patients visualize outcomes. There is a high demand for a tool that allows people to see what they might look like after cosmetic surgery. The old days of red and blue tinted glasses are gone, and the newest version of 3-D uses sophisticated computers to create lifelike images. Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks have brought three-dimensional animated features to movie theatres, with blockbuster reviews. Patients are often surprised to find the same technology used in films like James Cameron's Avatar in their cosmetic surgeon's office.
Most commonly, 3-D simulations are used to imagine breast augmentation, nose reshaping, and chin sculpting. Dr. Charles Mok at Allure Medical Spa has been using this tool for the past year and it has changed the way he does consultations with patients. "The 3-D simulator helps me to communicate in a specific way and set the patient's expectations. When they are realistic about what can be achieved with surgery, they are much happier after having a procedure," says Dr. Mok. Michelle, mother of four, knew she wanted breast augmentation but was apprehensive about the size; using 3-D imaging we were able to show her what she could expect to look like. "After seeing what my outcome would look like and comparing three different sizes I was completely comfortable picking an implant size; I went into surgery with my mind completely at ease."
Dr. Kotlus envisions more three-dimensional surgery applications in the future. "This is only the tip of the iceberg. Cosmetic surgery is continually incorporating technological advances into amazing procedures. Cosmetic surgeons already think in three dimensions, so now we have tools to convey these ideas more clearly." A consultation including 3-D imaging and 3-D surgery simulation takes about 30 minutes, including a face-to-face discussion with the doctor.
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