Three-dimensional assessment and prior procedures
Your learning goalIntegrate layers, movement and treatment history into advanced planning.
Assess relationships
Advanced facial analysis considers support, soft-tissue position, movement and skin quality together. A frontal view can hide projection or asymmetry apparent in profile and oblique views. Use consistent photographs and a direct examination rather than extrapolating from an edited image.
Investigate altered anatomy
Prior surgery, trauma, implants, energy treatments and filler may alter the tissues or complicate interpretation. Ask for product and procedure records. A visible contour does not establish the composition or depth of material beneath it. When uncertainty exceeds available expertise, obtain appropriate assessment or referral.
Define the clinical question
State whether the objective concerns proportion, projection, transition, texture or another finding. Explain which contributor the proposed intervention addresses and which will remain. A convincing whole-face plan may involve fewer treated regions and several stages rather than a larger same-day volume.
- Compare multiple views and movement.
- Prior procedures change the assessment.
- Define the problem before the product.
Put the reasoning to work.
A patient has had facial surgery and several undocumented filler sessions.
What makes a routine template inappropriate?Pause and write your response in the workbook, then compare your reasoning.
Read the case discussion
Anatomy and existing material may be altered or uncertain. Seek records and an individualized assessment before selecting a corrective intervention.