Polaroid photography as an alternative method of recording clinical material in plastic surgery

Polaroid photography has been used as a method for assessing and recording certain plastic surgery cases. It has the advantage of being easily and immediately available. Photocopies, in black and white or in colour, can be obtained and can be enlarged. Either the originals or photocopies can be sent to clinicians for rapid appraisal or for their own records. This technique is useful whether silhouette or contrast changes are important, and it allows immediate presentation to the patient for discussion and illustration. Several clinical pre- and post-operative examples demonstrating these facts are given in photographic form. The possible advantages of using Polaroid cameras, which rival the quality and cost of conventional photography, are raised.