VECTRA® 3D facial scan to accurately measure your physical dimensions, preview treatment outcomes and track results

The VECTRA® 3D system offers two important functions that better your treatments with us:

1. It allows us to show you a model of what can be done on your facial attributes, and what they will look like, before we do it.
2. It allows us to track your facial features in 3D format, for better comparisons of the ‘before’ and ‘after’ versions, as we progress through treatments with you.

We use 3D images when performing structural face changes such as:

• Dermal filler injections (including non-surgical face lifts).
• Non-surgical nose jobs.
• Skin tightening with lasers and radio frequency devices.
• Fat removal on the chin (such as with Belkyra™, CoolSculpting®, truSculpt® iD).

That said, we also take 3D images to keep track of surface-level skin conditions and treatments, including:

• Acne and acne scar treatments of various kinds.
• Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments.
• Sun damage removal (moles, brown spots, actinic keratosis, etc.).
• Redness and rosacea symptoms (such as phymatous rosacea, red pustules and more).
• Milder, skin exfoliation treatments.

These latter items won’t show a significant change in facial structure with treatments. But, the 3D imagery will reveal the skin’s tone and blemishes from different angles – more views than what the VISIA® skin analysis provides.

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The VECTRA® 3D imaging system comes with two components:

• A set of 3 cameras to take photos of your face at different angles.
• A software and computer system to digitize a 2D image, and make a 3D model out of it.

First you will be asked to sit in front of the three calibrated cameras. These are permanently positioned in the same spots, to remove the issue of human error with a system like this one. A technician will snap a quick photo of your face. All three cameras will fire at the same time.

The cameras come with intelligent flash lighting that corrects for shadows and skin tone automatically. They also take a very fast photograph, within milliseconds. This gives the image sharp, clear details, even if you were to move slightly during the shot.

Next, the system’s software gets to work making the 3D model of your face and neck. This can take a few minutes.

The 3D imaging software comes with the following visualization features:

Face Sculptor®

This is a simulation tool that allows us to pre-sculpt your face, before actually doing any work on it. Degrees markers on the image show the dimensions that shape your face.

For example, we can see the exact degrees of a nose bump, and then lift it using the software, to show a straightened nose profile. That way, you’ll be able to decide whether the change is meaningful enough for you, if you were to invest in that treatment.

We are also able to smooth wrinkles or remove spots using this tool, kind of like in Photoshop. However, this software gives a more accurate view of what facial fillers and anti-aging treatments can change, as opposed to just removing the imperfections altogether, the way a photo editor would.

Shape views and 3D vector analysis tools

While using the 3D Analysis Module, we also have access to volume measurements that use colour-coded contour maps (like in geography, yes). This is useful for demonstrating exactly where your face dips and sags, while taking colour and lighting out of the equation. This is important because shadows, makeup and skin tone can often hide the true smoothness or bumpiness of our skin.

In this mode, we can also ‘move’ the model of your face and neck around on the screen, turning it to the side, lifting it up or down, and so on.

Digital face markers

This provides us with surface markers to align your facial features and spot them clearly, without needing to put a pen to your face, or use a print-out. You can then see what happens when your skin is evened out, and how different you can potentially look.

RBX® colour processing

Also available with the VISIA® system, this software component shows where your brown and red spots are, so we can better target your skin tone and blotchiness.

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Before you undergo face treatments at our clinic, we will likely take one ‘before’ image of your face and neck, using the VECTRA® 3D imaging system. Thereafter, the number of facial scans we’ll take can depend on the treatment plan you’re on, as well as the specifics surrounding the condition itself.

For example, if you come in for routine, ‘maintenance’ skin treatments, like microdermabrasion, HydraFacial™, chemical peels or laser peels, these would not require scans be taken every time you come in. The differences between monthly or bi-monthly sessions are not expected to be huge – these are usually preventative beauty procedures, afterall.

Likewise, if you are coming in for laser hair removal on the legs, or fat removal on the body, there would be no sense in continually taking 3D images of your face and neck. We will take separate, 2D photographs for these cases.

If you have severe acne, or drooping, sagging skin on the face and neck, it is probable that these conditions will require a series of treatments, no matter what technology is being used. In cases like this, we will likely take more than one 3D image. That goes especially if you are following through with your appointments, as scheduled. This way, we will be able to measure progress more easily.

So, in short, it all depends on your case.

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We do not charge for the VECTRA® 3D images taken during your consultation session. We also do not charge to take the photographs during follow-up appointments, when we check on your treatment progress.

Our consultations, for most major treatments, do come with a fee (they involve more than taking images, though!). This fee can be credited towards services at our clinic, within a certain time frame after your session. Please see more on our contact page, where you can also book your consultation.

We are unable to provide you with copies of your VECTRA® 3D images. However, during your initial consultation with us, you’ll get a copy of your VISIA® UV photographs.