*Sponsored post: Clinical Imaging*
In aesthetic medicine, everything we do is based on what we see. The subtle changes in light, shadow, texture, and pigmentation are crucial to understanding and evaluating treatment outcomes. In this article, Dr Hildegardt Raubenheimer discusses why standardised clinical photography, through the Clinical Imaging System, has become an essential tool for her practice.
Why I chose the Clinical Imaging System
I believe beauty is in the details, and everything we do in aesthetic medicine is about visual perception and what we see. It’s all about lights, shadows, skin textures, pigment changes, and many more subtleties that we observe in the face. Therefore, the standardisation of image acquisition in aesthetic medicine is critical to communicating changes and results from aesthetic procedures. To capture subtle changes believably, without photographic bias, high-quality clinical photography is crucial.
Clinical Imaging has equipped me with tools that have improved my consultation and treatment planning process. It allows me to take my patients through their aesthetic journey with accuracy and trust.
The role of photography in aesthetic treatments
Aesthetic treatments rely heavily on visual assessment, making photography a vital tool for objective comparison. Standardised clinical photography enables aesthetic practitioners to monitor the progress of treatments and assess results accurately.
For example, in facial rejuvenation procedures like dermal fillers or botulinum toxin treatments, subtle changes in skin texture, volume, and symmetry may not be immediately noticeable to the naked eye. Photographic documentation provides a clear before-and-after comparison, allowing both the practitioner and the patient to appreciate the extent of improvement.
The only difference in pre- and post-treatment photographs should be the results of the treatment the patient has received. In an unregulated patient photography setup, image inconsistencies could include lighting direction, white balance, patient position, backdrop, and more.
These inconsistencies hinder the effectiveness of a clinical photograph. Through Clinical Imaging Systems, we ensure consistent patient photographs that can act as a diagnostic tool between a doctor and their patient.
Consistency is key
Through the Clinical Imaging System, I ensure consistency in patient photographs, which becomes an invaluable diagnostic tool. This consistency is achieved through standardised lighting, camera settings, and patient positioning, ensuring that images can be accurately compared over time. Reliable, comparable images help me assess the treatment’s efficacy and progress.
For doctors and clinics, incorporating the Clinical Imaging System means having access to this level of precision in every patient consultation. It ensures the highest level of care, reinforces trust, and strengthens the patient-practitioner relationship.
Improving patient communication
Setting realistic expectations is crucial in aesthetic treatments. Standardised photos help patients visualise potential outcomes, making it easier to understand what to expect. For treatments that take time to show full results, like collagen biostimulators, these images help illustrate the gradual progress, keeping patients informed and engaged in their care.
With the Clinical Imaging System, I can clearly guide patients through their aesthetic journey, providing visual proof of progress and results. This approach fosters trust, transparency, and satisfaction.
Ensuring legal protection
Standardised clinical photography isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting both patients and practitioners. Clear, consistent photos of pre- and post-treatment appearances can resolve disputes or misunderstandings, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. This documentation is important for upholding ethical standards and protecting practitioners from potential claims.
For medical doctors and clinics, integrating the Clinical Imaging System into your practice provides this essential legal safeguard, ensuring a professional and transparent approach.
Supporting professional growth
For practitioners, high-quality photos are invaluable for research, case studies, and presentations. They help refine techniques, build a professional portfolio, and showcase skills. These well-documented images contribute to ongoing learning and innovation in the field.
The Clinical Imaging System not only improves daily patient interactions but also supports long-term professional development. For doctors and clinics, it’s an investment in both patient care and career growth.
Why smartphones fall short
While smartphone cameras are great for everyday use, they aren’t up to the task of standardised clinical photography. Here’s why:
- Inconsistent lighting: Smartphones often have automatic settings that can cause variations in lighting. This inconsistency can make it difficult to compare images accurately, which is crucial for assessing treatments.
- Limited control: Professional photography requires precise control over settings like aperture and shutter speed. Smartphones usually don’t offer this level of control, which can affect image clarity and detail.
- Image quality: Even though smartphones capture high-resolution images, their sensors and lenses aren’t as advanced as those in professional cameras. This can affect the ability to capture fine details accurately.
- Lighting challenges: Proper lighting is essential for clear, accurate photos. Smartphones rely on ambient light or built-in flashes, which can be uneven or harsh. Professional setups use controlled lighting to ensure consistency.
- Colour accuracy: Smartphones often adjust colours automatically, which can lead to inconsistencies. Accurate colour representation is key in aesthetic medicine for evaluating skin conditions.
- Professionalism: Using professional equipment shows a commitment to high standards and quality care. Smartphones might give a more casual impression, which could affect patient trust.
- Legal and ethical considerations: In legal situations, high-quality, consistent images provide reliable evidence. Smartphones may not offer the clarity needed for such purposes.
- Advanced imaging needs: Some procedures use sophisticated imaging techniques that smartphones can’t handle. Professional equipment is necessary for these advanced assessments.
The Clinical Imaging System advantage
The Clinical Imaging System is a customised photography workflow that enables excellence in pre- and post-image capture, storage, and distribution.
Designed with efficiency, flexibility, and simplicity in mind, each Clinical Imaging System is easily tailored to suit your clinic’s specific needs.
Whether you’re in your first year of operating a solo injecting clinic, an experienced dermatologist, or a multi-practitioner plastic surgery clinic, Clinical Imaging can tailor a system for you.
For more than a decade, Clinical Imaging Systems have undergone continuous refinement, making standardised clinical photography accessible to clinicians of all backgrounds. The pre-calibrated cameras, lighting, and software eliminate any guesswork, ensuring the seamless capture of high-quality images, regardless of the user’s level of expertise.
Used by training centres globally, the Clinical Imaging System has become the gold standard in 2D aesthetic imaging and is trusted by the industry for training, assessment, and marketing.
Key benefits of Clinical Imaging Systems for aesthetic practices and plastic surgeons
- Seamless workflow integration, customisable for clinics of all sizes.
- Pre-calibrated cameras for high-resolution superior image quality with minimal technical skill required and useable by all staff.
- Professional templates for social media content.
- Watermarking images to protect your work.
- Minimal space required.
- Captures dynamic expressions.
- Advanced skin imaging filters, including vascular and melanin analysis.
- Efficient and secure cloud-based storage for easy access and backups.
- Trusted by global training centres and aesthetic professionals.
- Integration with dermatoscopes.
For more details, visit Clinical Imaging‘s website, or contact the South African sales representative, Winston Wilson, at winstonwilson@clinicalimaging.com.au or +27 63 400 8638.
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Examples of Clinical Imaging Systems used in real practices:
Dr Hildegardt Raubenheimer (Dr Hilla) is a GP with a special interest in Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine, with her private practice located in Cape Town. She qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Stellenbosch in 2004. She started her training in Aesthetic Medicine in 2012 when she completed a Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine through the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. She completed the Advanced Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine through the Foundation of Professional Development of South Africa and attended extensive training through the Medskills Training Academy. In addition, she has attended Integrative Medicine training through the Golding Institute and continues to upskill herself in the fast-evolving field of Aesthetic Medicine.
- Dr Hildegardt Raubenheimerhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/dr-hildegardt-raubenheimer
