Facial Recognition Technology: A Primer for Plastic Surgeons

The face is arguably the most unique and defining feature of the human body. From birth, humans are conditioned to perceive, interpret, and react to information conveyed by faces both familiar and unfamiliar. Although face recognition is routine for humans, only recently has it become possible for a computer to accurately recognize a human face in an image or video. With advances in artificial intelligence, image capture technology, and Internet connectivity, facial recognition technology has entered the forefront of personal and commercial technology. Plastic surgeons should be prepared to answer questions from patients about the fundamentals of facial recognition technology, and the potential effects of plastic surgery on facial recognition technology performance. This article provides an overview of facial recognition technology, describes its present applications, discusses its relevance within the field of plastic surgery, and provides recommendations for plastic surgeons to consider during preoperative discussions with patients.