Impact of the selection of photographic devices on facialprofilometry: a cross-sectional observational study withartificial intelligence analysis for plastic surgery

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Maria Alejandra Henao Rincon
Alejandro Uribe Escobar
Juan Sebastián Botero Valencia
Mateo Mejía Herrera

Abstract

Introduction: Preoperative assessment in facial plastic surgery has evolved signifi­cantly in recent decades, especially with the use of two-dimensional photography. This tool is essential for documenting facial deformities, planning surgical interven­tions such as rhinoplasty, and communicating expectations to patients. However, selecting the appropriate photographic device is critical for obtaining accurate and reproducible results. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using different image capture devices, including high-resolution digital cameras and smartphones. Frontal photographs of a patient were taken with each device, maintaining stan­dardized conditions of lighting and distance. Artificial intelligence techniques were employed for image analysis and estimation of relevant measures for rhinoplasty. Re­sults: The results showed that the precision and reproducibility of the method varied depending on the photographic device used. Significant differences were observed in the average errors of the measurements obtained, especially between frontal and late­ral images. Smartphones demonstrated lower errors overall. Conclusion: Selecting the appropriate photographic device is essential in the preoperative assessment of rhino­plasty. Although smartphones may offer a viable alternative to high-resolution digital cameras, it is critical to implement standardized procedures for image acquisition and use artificial intelligence algorithms to ensure accurate and reproducible results. The integration of these technologies has the potential to significantly improve aesthetic and functional outcomes in facial plastic surgery.

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1.
Impact of the selection of photographic devices on facialprofilometry: a cross-sectional observational study withartificial intelligence analysis for plastic surgery. Acta otorrinolaringol cir cabeza cuello [Internet]. 2026 Feb. 9 [cited 2026 Feb. 10];53(4):335-42. Available from: https://revista.acorl.org.co/index.php/acorl/article/view/828

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