Videography of the Nose and Face for Rhinoplasty and Facial Plastic Surgery: Which Method Is the Best?

BACKGROUND: While static photography remains the gold standard, its inability to capture dynamic nasal structures necessitates standardized preoperative videographic documentation in rhinoplasty. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of four platforms and five recording devices in establishing a standardized rhinoplasty videography protocol, as measured by stabilization, centering capability, setup time, and clinical practicality. RESULTS: The Gimbal system offered a quick setup but struggled with subject centering and manual stability. While the rotating platform and spinning rig provided high stability and image quality, their large physical footprint and long setup times made them impractical for routine clinical use. The specially designed imaging apparatus offered the best balance, ensuring both patient and camera stability with a rapid 5-min setup time. CONCLUSION: The specially designed imaging apparatus is identified as the most suitable method for preoperative rhinoplasty assessment. It effectively minimizes motion artifacts and ensures consistent framing, offering a practical and superior alternative to static photography for capturing dynamic facial features. Of the imaging equipment utilized, the 61 MP full-frame SONY α7R IV (24-70 mm) demonstrated the most superior image quality.