Office photography for facial cosmetic surgery.

A photographic record of the appearance of the patient's face and neck preoperatively, and of the changes resulting from surgery is a most important aspect of facial cosmetic surgery. This report describes a practical, efficient system of photography performed in the surgeon's own office. The photographic equipment can be placed in a relatively small area at a total cost of well under $1000. The procedure described, when smoothly running can provide almost 99% efficacy in obtaining consistently good photographs with a minimum of effort and time spent by the surgeon and his office staff. The photographs are a precise, valuable record (medically and legally) of the patient's preoperative and postoperative appearances, and are important for the patient to see and for the surgeon to study. The patient is provided with a striking reminder of preoperative reality; the surgeon with insight into the progress of his surgical expertness.