Standardized photography in facial plastic surgery: pearls and pitfalls

Photographic images in facial plastic surgery play a critical role in photodocumentation, patient education, preoperative planning, and self-education. Consistent, uniform, high-quality photography allows the best opportunity for critical self-assessment and self-education. The purpose of this article is to review important elements in the production of standardized, uniform photographs with a 35-mm camera or with a digital camera. Equipment, lighting and background, film selection, and a standardized photographic technique are detailed. Principles of intraoperative photography are also reviewed.