Comparing Plastic Surgery Before and After Photos

Focus on Patients Who Look Like You

To get the most out of your gallery gazing, hone in on before photos that remind you of yourself. You might see what you think is the most beautiful breast augmentation ever, but if that patient has a totally different “before” breast shape than you do, the results won’t tell you much about what breast augmentation might achieve for you personally.

Among the “before” patients that resemble you, take note of the results you like best. Also note any results you don’t particularly love to help your surgeon better understand your aesthetic goals. Be ready to point them out to a surgeon at your consult.

Signs of superb surgeon skill

You can’t tell everything about a plastic surgeon by looking at photos, but you can identify signs of excellent work, such as:

• Symmetry is maintained or improved after surgery. Symmetry and proportion are foundations of beauty; a skilled plastic surgeon will prioritize these in her work. Not all asymmetry can be totally corrected, but you should notice a change in the right direction.
• Scars are thin, neat, and placed inconspicuously. All surgery leaves scars, and if you’re looking at nude examples, you will likely see them. A well-placed, properly healed scar will not “jump out” at you, and if the patient is wearing underwear in the photos, it should be apparent that the surgeon placed incisions thoughtfully, so that undergarments will conceal them as much as possible.
• You see a variety of patients who look natural after surgery. Skillfully executed plastic surgery helps a patient look like a better version of herself.

Possible Red Flags in a Photo Gallery

While looking at before and after photos online is a great way to start your search for the right surgeon, there’s no substitute for an in-person consultation.