Reality Check
Before-and-after photos can be manipulated. Lighting, angles, timing, oiling, flexing, and even Photoshop can make results look dramatically better than reality. This guide teaches you to see through the tricks.
Surgeon portfolios are marketing tools. That doesn't mean they're lies—but it does mean they're curated to show the best outcomes in the best light. Understanding how to evaluate photos critically will help you set realistic expectations and choose a surgeon who delivers consistent results.
What This Guide Covers
How to Evaluate Surgeon Portfolios
A quality portfolio should demonstrate consistent results across many patients. Here's what to look for:
Minimum Requirements
- ✓ At least 50 before/after sets from experienced providers
- ✓ Photos of patients with similar body type to yours
- ✓ Consistent lighting, angles, and timing across portfolio
- ✓ Photos taken weeks/months after surgery—not immediately post-op
- ✓ Multiple time points (1 week, 1 month, 6 months)
Red Flags in Before/After Photos
Lighting Manipulation
Lighting can completely transform how a body looks. Watch for:
❌ Before Photos
- • Harsh overhead lighting
- • Shadows that accentuate flaws
- • Unflattering fluorescent light
❌ After Photos
- • Soft, flattering flash
- • Diffused lighting that hides flaws
- • Golden/warm color temperature
"The lighting can make you look like a devil, or fantastic." — Plastic surgery industry insider
Positioning Tricks
- Standing vs. lying down: Standing in "before," lying down in "after" hides sagging
- Expression changes: Frowning before, smiling after distorts facial results
- Different camera angles: Even slight angle changes affect how results appear
- Posture differences: Slouching before, standing tall after
Body Photo Manipulation
- "Greasing up": Oiling skin makes contours look more defined in after photos
- Flexing: Relaxed muscles in before, flexed in after
- Strategic posing: Arms positioned to hide irregularities
- Compression garments: Some "after" photos taken while still in garments
Digital Alteration
Photoshop Concerns
Digital alteration of before/after photos is increasingly common. It's difficult to detect, but you can protect yourself:
- • Follow tagged patients on social media to see real-life, uncontrolled results
- • Ask to speak with previous patients directly
- • Request video consultations with live results (harder to fake)
- • Be skeptical of results that look "too perfect"
Realistic Expectations by Procedure
BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)
- • 20-30% of transferred fat will be reabsorbed over 3-6 months
- • Results stabilize at 4-6 months
- • Your body's fat distribution genetics affect final shape
- • "Perfect" symmetry is not achievable
- • Initial swelling makes results look larger than final outcome
Tummy Tuck
- • Scars are permanent—they fade but never disappear
- • Swelling lasts 3-6 months
- • Final results visible at 6-12 months
- • Weight gain will affect results
- • Skin quality affects how smooth results look
Breast Surgery
- • Implants need 3-6 months to settle ("drop and fluff")
- • Asymmetry is normal—no two breasts are identical
- • Scars are permanent and visible for 6-12 months
- • Implants may need replacement in 10-20 years
- • Size perception varies—bring reference photos
Liposuction
- • Lipo contours—it doesn't tighten loose skin
- • Swelling can take 3-6 months to fully resolve
- • Results depend on skin elasticity
- • Weight gain can reverse results
- • Some irregularities may be visible
Facelift
- • Doesn't stop aging—just turns back the clock
- • Scars hidden but present around ears/hairline
- • Swelling and bruising significant for 2-4 weeks
- • Final results visible at 6-12 months
- • Results last 7-10 years on average
Questions to Ask About Photos
Ask Your Surgeon
- "Are these your actual patients?" — Some portfolios use stock or shared photos
- "Can I see photos at multiple stages of healing?" — 1 week, 1 month, 6 months
- "Do you have photos of patients with similar body type/goals?"
- "Can I speak with previous patients?" — Best way to get unfiltered info
- "What are the typical results I should expect?" — Watch for overpromising
- "Can I see examples where results weren't perfect?" — Honesty indicator
What Good Photos Should Show
- ✓ Similar body type to yours
- ✓ Consistent lighting and angles between before/after
- ✓ Photos at multiple time points
- ✓ Some patient-submitted "selfie" style photos
- ✓ Results showing natural proportions (not extreme)
- ✓ Evidence of revision cases if relevant
The Bottom Line
Before/after photos are a starting point, not a guarantee. Look for consistent results across many patients similar to you. Be skeptical of dramatic transformations and photos that look too perfect. The best predictor of your results is talking to actual patients and seeing their real-life outcomes. Manage your expectations, and you'll be happier with your results.