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Slightly asymmetric lighting offers best photographic results for rhinoplasty results

Slightly asymmetric lighting leads to better detailed rendition and 3-dimensionality of the nose, according to Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Researchers tested seven lighting arrangements among a small group of aesthetic rhinoplasty patients.

They compared photographs of each lighting arrangement to evaluate photographic reproduction of the nasal anatomy, disturbing shadowing, 3-dimensionality and changes in nasal shape.

The classic symmetric quarter-light arrangement (flash-flash distance of 4 m and object-flash angle of about 45 degrees) showed limited detail rendition and reduced 3-dimensionality, when compared with asymmetric lighting.

Using a light reflector or an additional ring flash to increase asymmetric light led to improved detail rendition and 3-dimensionality and slightly increased shadowing.

A frontal light arrangement lacked 3-dimensionality and led to bad reproductions of the anatomic details of the nose. Strong asymmetric lighting increased shadowing and produced bias.

The researchers suggest that photographic documentation of the nose from the frontal and the oblique views are most important because these are the views a patient normally sees. The oblique angle aids in showing asymmetries of the bridge of the nose.

Asymmetric lighting improves 3-dimensionality and detail rendition by increasing contrast, according to researchers.

They suggest duplicate frontal documentation of the nose with asymmetric lighting, once with asymmetric light from the right side and once with asymmetric light from the left side. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.