At the IAPAM, our mission is to provide industry-leading educational resources for Medical Aesthetic clinics and professionals. With a special focus on skincare, medical weight loss, and cosmetic injectables, our content is crafted to serve both clinic teams and the informed consumer alike.
Among the most critical—yet sometimes overlooked—steps in patient care is the use of pre-procedure photos during facial assessments.
Photos taken before any injectable treatment, including Botox®, are more than just “nice to have.” They are a documentation and communication tool that supports the best clinical, ethical, and business practices. Consistent use of pre-procedure photos enhances the safety, effectiveness, and professionalism of any medical aesthetic clinic.
By capturing the patient’s initial state—both at rest and in motion—you create objective records that:
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Pre-procedure images objectively record a patient’s initial facial anatomy, wrinkle patterns, and asymmetries. They are indispensable in treatments like Botox® where changes can be subtle, and recall bias can influence perception.
Photos allow for accurate marking of injection points and reviewing anatomical nuances. They also support better tracking of progress when patients return for follow-ups.
Patients may overestimate or underestimate their wrinkles, shadows, or asymmetry. Visual reference helps set appropriate expectations for what Botox® or fillers can (and cannot) achieve.
Clear records protect practices in the rare event a patient questions results or develops complications. Good photo documentation is a key part of medico-legal best practice.
Capture a minimum of these images:
Ask patients to perform relevant expressions for targeted treatments.
| Photo Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Resting face | Baseline, asymmetry, wrinkles |
| Smiling/frowning | Dynamic lines, muscle action |
| Raised eyebrows | Forehead wrinkle assessment |
| Squeezing eyes | Crow’s feet mapping for Botox® |
| “Bunny” nose lines | Botox® nasal targets |
During consultations, review photos with patients:
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| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Environment | Consistent lighting, neutral background |
| Camera setup | High quality, same distance for all images |
| Patient pose | Relaxed, no makeup/jewelry, hair pulled back |
| Angles | Frontal, ¾, profile, dynamic expressions |
| File storage | Secure, EHR-documented, compliant |
| Consent | Informed, documented for use and privacy |
Pre-procedure photos in facial assessment are a cornerstone of excellence in medical aesthetics—from planning and documentation to communication and legal protection. At the IAPAM, we equip clinics and trainees with protocols that advance patient safety, satisfaction, and superior outcomes in every session, whether it’s for Botox®, fillers, or beyond.
Ready to standardize your photo protocols or train staff in advanced facial assessment? Contact us for resources, checklists, and custom training for your clinic, today!
Attend the most comprehensive accredited AMA PRA CAT 1 CME Botox® training weekend, learn how to create a profitable practice with the top 5 most lucrative non-invasive treatments, get hands-on Botox® training in a multi-million dollar aesthetics practice and get trained in GLP-1 agonists and other medically-supervised weight loss treatments.
Scottsdale, Arizona
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Talk with a program advisor to discuss your hands-on or online training options for Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Weight Management (GLP-1 inhibitors, semaglutide, tirzepatide and more).
The IAPAM has been helping physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants make more & work less with AMA PRA CAT 1 CME certification & training in Botox®, Aesthetic Medicine and Medical Weight Management since 2006.
Choose from online or hands-on training today!
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