Corrective rhinoplasty: medical and legal aspects

Preoperative planning of any surgical procedure, especially rhinoplasty, is crucial in order to achieve an optimal outcome which will satisfy both the surgeon and patient. Use of imaging and the possibility of virtually displaying the changes planned by the surgeon definitely lead to a better understanding between doctor and patient. Although these new technologies have led to undeniable advantages, they have also generated unprecedented medical and legal problems. The Authors discuss a number of reflections on the legal consequences of image digital processing, the problems related to the storage of such images, and the appropriate way to draft an informed consent.