How Cellphone Cameras Distort Facial Features

Many people are bothered by their appearance when looking at selfie photos taken on their cellular phone cameras. Unlike professional cameras, the cameras built into cellular phones distort the actual appearance of the face in predictable ways. The above photo is a selfie taken of me and my wife Fara at Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience. It is important to seek not only a fellowship-trained but also a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon if you have aesthetic concerns about your face and/or neck.
Most Cellular Phone Cameras Have Wide-Angle Lenses to Capture Distant Landscapes
The distortion associated with the use of cellular phone cameras is worse the closer the camera is to the focus. That is why selfies tend to be so distorting, especially of the center of the face. This includes the forehead, eyes, and nose. That is why it is common for individuals to be more bothered by the appearance of their nose in selfies as opposed to when looking in the mirror, though appropriate concerns about the appearance of their nose likely persist when looking in the mirror.
The Photos Taken in Clinic Involve a Lens That Better Approximates Human Vision
The cameras used to take pre-operative and post-operative photos are Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras that allow lens attachments with different focal lengths. The 50mm focal length lens more closely approximates human vision. As a result, images of facial features better approximate reality.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
It is important to seek a fellowship-trained specialist in plastic surgery of the face and neck when you have concerns about your face or neck.
Why Choose Dr. Harmon
- The mission of Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery is to help people along their journey towards self-confidence, to feel good about feeling good.
- Dr. Harmon is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
- Dr. Harmon values making patients feel welcomed, listened to, and respected.
- Dr. Harmon graduated with honors from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology.
- Dr. Harmon earned his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon underwent five years of extensive training in head at neck surgery at the prestigious residency program at the University of Cincinnati.
- Dr. Harmon then underwent focused fellowship training in cosmetic facial plastic surgery through the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono, on Park Avenue in New York City.
Request a Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Harmon at Harmon Facial Plastic Surgery in Cincinnati. Visit our clinic. You will learn more about Dr. Harmon’s credentials, style, and approach. Build a relationship with our dedicated team. Do not stop at searching “plastic surgery near me.” Get in touch with us to learn more!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute direct medical advice. It is essential that you have a consultation with a qualified medical provider prior to considering any treatment. This will allow you the opportunity to discuss any potential benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.

Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward enhancing your natural beauty by scheduling a personalized consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Harmon. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon trained by the pioneer of the extended deep plane facelift, Dr. Harmon offers expert guidance and care. Whether you're considering surgical or non-surgical options, our team is here to support your journey to renewed confidence.