Pitfalls of photography for facial resurfacing and rejuvenation procedures.

Photography's role in documenting changes after aesthetic surgical procedures is well established. Facial resurfacing procedures usually cause subtle changes in skin topography. Capturing these objective photographic differences necessitates an understanding of basic photographic principles pertinent to accurately documenting photographic changes. Variables examined include lighting, exposure, aperture, camera type, white balance, lens focal length, and patient positioning. A set of suggested guidelines for accomplishing these goals is given for the facial plastic surgeon.