Ask Dr. JOe

Out of town Patients & Online Consultation

Dr. Niamtu discusses the process of having surgery out of town or out of the country


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I am honored that almost 60% of our patients come from different states and different countries.  When traveling for surgical procedures it is all the more important to exchange as much information as possible before coming to Richmond, Virginia. When I we use the term “online consultation” it is not used in the formal sense as a true doctor/patient relationship and does not imply a formal medical consultation.  The purpose of our online “consultation” is to begin a discussion forum about what bothers the patient about their face and neck and to discuss possible contemporary surgical and non-surgical options.  


How to Send Photographs for Pre Consultation with

Dr. Niamtu

Note:  Any pictures or information sent to Dr. Niamtu remains confidential and are never used  for any purpose other than direct consultation with the person sending the information.

No selfies please

IF at all possible, please have someone else take your pictures.  Selfies are distorted and usually not adequate for precise discussion

There is absolutely no substitute for face to face, hands on consultation and no “photo consultation” can suffice.  That being said, a lot of information may be exchanged by prospective patients and an experienced surgeon. 

Dr. Niamtu requires quality images to begin conversation.  It is best to use a flash for photos and focus on the region that will be discussed. Examples are shown below

Please  make sure all pictures are taken in a relaxed position (brows relaxed, not smiling, normal head position and hair off of the face).  It is also best to take pictures without makeup.


For lower face procedures such as

Deep plane face and neck lifts

Cheek or chin implants

Skin Procedures

(laser or chemical peel)

take the following poses.

                                            Front                                        ¾ Right Side                                     RIght Side Profile                               ¾ Left Side                              Left  Side Profile


For upper face procedures such as

eyelid surgery or browlift

the take the following poses.

Right Side ¾                 Front               Left Side ¾


For Otoplasty (protruding ears), earlobe repair or earlobe reduction please take the following poses.

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For lip LIft procedures

Take the following take the following poses.

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For lip lift, also send picture of mouth 1/2 open, full smile and 1/2 smile

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For lip lift patients, make sure to measure the distance from the base of the nose to the top of the red portion of the upper lip as shown below.

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For moles or Facial LIesions please send a clear close up and a picture more zoomed out to show other neighboring anatomy.

Higham, Tracy



Click here to “Ask Dr. Joe” and attach your photos



This and all other electronic correspondence from Dr. Niamtu or his associates does not constitute: 1) medical advice  2) an evaluation or 3) a consultation.  Nor will any such correspondence be considered as a replacement or substitute for a formal office evaluation and/or consultation by Dr. Niamtu or his associates.  Further, information and correspondence contained in this and/or subsequent email correspondence, including all replies, does not and will not create a formal doctor-patient relationship.  Prospective patients desiring a formal consultation are invited to call (804) 934-3223 for an appointment. Prospective patients should obtain prior approval from their own physician for any  change(s) pertaining to their condition, diagnosis, treatment, and/or therapy discussed at consult. Explanation of off-label services and/or products mentioned herein do not constitute endorsement and/or promotion.