Diagnosing photographic distortion. Decoding true postoperative contour after eyelid surgery.

A method of "decoding" deceptive blepharoplasty photographs resulting from head postural changes (or changes in camera planes) between pre- and postoperative photographs is now available. One need only measure changes in the intercanthal axis relative to the horizontal plane of the face. Each degree of alteration of the axis represents 1 mm of true postural change in the margin of the lower lid--disguised by head tilt or downward gaze. This new "tool" can expose and help eliminate undesirable techniques that consistently deform the eye through lowered lid posture and increased scleral show, saddening the appearance of the orbital region and the entire face.