Conditions for comparing two photographs
Before looking at the correction itself, check how the images were taken. The closer the conditions, the more useful the comparison.
- The same lighting. Frontal lighting may soften shadows under the eyes around folds. Side lighting may accentuate them, even without a change in volume.
- The same angle and distance. A face photographed from the front cannot be directly compared with a three-quarter view. The distance and lens may also alter the apparent proportions of the nose, lips or chin.
- The same position and expression. Smiling, contracting the lips or slightly raising the head changes contours and folds. Similar expressions must be compared.
- A consistent presentation. Make-up, filters, retouching and framing may conceal certain details. A difference in presentation should be disclosed so that it is not attributed to the treatment.
Information that gives meaning to the result
A precise caption helps explain what the photographs show. Without these reference points, it is difficult to attribute the observed change to a particular injection.
- The area and the objective. Is the aim to redefine the lip contour, reduce a hollow or alter projection ? The result is interpreted in relation to the initial request.
- The treatment performed. The product, total volume, number of sessions and any touch-ups provide context. A volume alone does not allow the technique to be inferred or the appropriate quantity for another face to be chosen.
- The date of the photograph. The interval between the injection and the photograph needs to be known. An image taken immediately after the session does not describe the same result as a follow-up photograph.
- Other procedures. If several areas or treatments have been combined, the overall transformation cannot be attributed to hyaluronic acid alone.
An immediate photograph and a follow-up photograph
A change may be visible as soon as the session ends, but the initial appearance may also be influenced by swelling, redness or bruising. A photograph taken immediately after the injection is therefore insufficient to assess the settled result. Comparison during follow-up provides another reference point, depending on the area treated and individual progress.
It is preferable to keep the date of each image and compare the same area under the same conditions. Two photographs alone do not allow you to know how things evolved between them or conclude how long the result lasts overall.
Reference points on how long the correction persists are detailed in the duration of the effects of hyaluronic acid injections.
Points to observe according to the area treated
Each area requires a different interpretation. The aim is to identify the intended change while looking at how it integrates with the rest of the face.
- Lips. Compare the contour, proportions and symmetry with the mouth in a similar position. Post-injection swelling may give an impression of volume that does not correspond to the follow-up result.
- Hollow dark circles. Observe the hollow under identical lighting. Filling a hollow under-eye area does not eliminate pigmentation or bags.
- Furrows and folds. Look at their depth at rest and with a comparable expression. A change in the smile can make the comparison misleading.
- Cheekbones and chin. Comparable front, profile or three-quarter views can help assess projection and contour balance. A single angle does not describe the entire result.
- The facial oval. Compare contour definition without a change in posture.
What images do not allow you to conclude
A before-and-after comparison does not provide information on every aspect of a treatment. It does not necessarily show comfort during the session, tissue suppleness to the touch, the complete progression of after-effects or the person’s satisfaction. A still image is also insufficient to assess expressions in motion.
A photograph without visible signs of a problem does not demonstrate the absence of complications. Injections carry risks, including serious ones, which must be discussed during the consultation. Finally, a selection of a few results does not allow a success rate to be calculated or an identical result to be guaranteed for another patient.
Feedback on the experience is discussed in how to read reviews of hyaluronic acid injections.
Using photographs during the consultation in Geneva
During your consultation with Dr Valeria Romano in Geneva, a photograph can help clarify what you like or what you wish to avoid. It supports the discussion ; the treatment plan depends on your anatomy, medical history and medical examination.
- What precise change can be observed in these images and does it correspond to my request ?
- When was the post-treatment photograph taken ?
- Does the result shown correspond to a single session or to several treatments ?
- What differences between this case and my face might limit a comparison ?
