Journal of Asia Pacific Aesthetic Sciences

Abstract: Clinical photography is an essential process in current medical practice for surgical procedure planning and outcome evaluation. Clinicians help to enhance patient care while demonstrating their treatment methods and skills. High-quality images complement the pre-procedure assessment, diagnosis, post-procedure documentation and medical education. Additionally, it serves as teaching material for publication, medicolegal documents, and proof of example in court cases. In this digital era, post-procedure good outcome photos function to promote potential clients and boost one's private practice visibility. The advancement of technology has made it possible to produce high-quality imaging with minimal technical expertise and a more straightforward device. The cost and mobility achievable with current devices allow photography to be practical in clinical and operative theatre settings. The gold standard for medical photography was confined to digital cameras single-lens reflex (DSLR) devices where high quality, consistent, reproducible, and predictable images could be produced. However, the usage of DSLR requires training, technical skills, and experience to provide efficient photos. Keeping up with the expansion of digital photography, smartphone cameras can potentially replace DSLR, mirrorless and even compact digital cameras for daily practical use. Portability, size, build-in applications of smartphones eliminate the need to carry multiple devices for clinical photography. The smartphone manufacturers engagement in 'camera wars' since 2019 are incorporating excellent cameras, backed up by even better software. Smartphones in our pockets can rival mirrorless cameras and are integrated with advanced processing techniques to create photographs that mimic professional systems. Camera capabilities are advancing to a higher megapixel lens with a bigger sensor, simplified shooting process, and faster image production.