As Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools become more widely available across industries, people are also using them to get inspiration for their appearance.
Some people use these tools to depict themselves in different styles of clothing or hairstyles. Others considering plastic surgery may prompt these tools to generate an image of what they would look like after a specific procedure.
As a result, these tools are reshaping beauty standards and patients’ expectations — for better or worse.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you should bring in an AI-generated image of an “after” to your consultation, expectations versus reality, and what a plastic surgery consultation is really about.
Are AI ‘After’ Photos Useful at a Plastic Surgery Consultation?
There’s nothing wrong with exploring these tools to find out what features you’d want to work on or which shapes complement you best.
However, plastic surgeons around the world have begun reporting that patients are bringing in AI-generated references that seem unrealistic. These photos often depict big, doll-like eyes with plump lips and a dainty nose on a smooth, poreless face — or a waist so small it has no room for internal organs.
Additionally, while these tools may start with a photo of your face, the result doesn’t take your facial structure or ethnicity into account. Rather, it puts an approximation of your features on top of an entirely different face shape.
While it may be a useful point of reference for your surgeon if the image is realistic enough, they likely won’t be able to produce the exact same results shown in your AI-generated inspiration photo.
You should keep this in mind — and remember that a plastic surgeon’s work doesn’t stop at your appearance. It also includes your safety and your body’s ability to function properly after surgery.
Why It’s Important to Maintain Realistic Expectations
When considering plastic surgery, patients have usually had a long, complicated history with the feature they’d like to modify. The beauty of plastic surgery is, in part, the opportunity to heal their relationship with their body and features.
However, it’s important to remember that there are limits to what a plastic surgeon can do for you. These limits vary from one patient to another.
Surgeons will take your concerns into account, but they’ll also consider what works harmoniously with your facial features or body’s proportions. The results may not make you look drastically different; often, they’re meant to amplify what you already like about your current features.
Ideally, patients should keep in mind that nobody’s perfect, and you can’t reach an unheard-of level of perfection through plastic surgery. That said, procedures such as body contouring or a breast augmentation can undoubtedly increase your confidence and greatly improve the way you look.
The right procedure can make your clothing fit better, bring some proportion to your body, and allow you to feel more comfortable in your social and everyday life.
What to Expect From a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A plastic surgery consultation is the time you should get the answers to all of your questions regarding your procedure, techniques, results, healing period, and more.
It may feel like a casual talk with your doctor, but you should still come to the office prepared. It’s a good idea to bring an extensive list of questions so you don’t need to rely on your memory. You should also have a clear view of your goals and be ready to discuss your full health history.
If you bring in an AI picture as a reference, keep in mind that your surgeon will likely explain what is possible within your personal limits, not the closest approximation to what’s visible in the image.
Closing Thoughts
Exploring AI and different technologies isn’t inherently a “red flag” for patients walking into their consultation appointment.
However, you should remember to have realistic expectations about what is possible, and be receptive to the advice of your surgeon.
Additionally, you should understand that your surgeon considers not just your goals, but their expertise on what looks most harmonious and your general safety as well.
In his clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. Bosbous has long prioritized realistic expectations. At the same time, he takes care to understand each patient’s concerns, goals, and what they want out of their procedure. From there, he fine-tunes his approach based on what the patient wants while keeping the final result balanced, natural-looking, and safe.
If you’re in the Milwaukee area and have been considering making a change in your appearance and confidence, don’t hesitate. Book your consultation now.