Experts warn 3D imaging offering 'accurate prediction' of plastic surgery could distract from risks of unregulated industry

But a leading patient safety expert and psychologist warn the technology could influence patients to rush into cosmetic surgery while overlooking the risks of the scantly regulated industry, and that improved predictions do not always increase patient satisfaction.

Winthrop Professor Dr Mohammed Bennamoun, from the University of Western Australia's School of Computer Science and Software Engineering, said the automatic system uses probability-based predictive modelling on a pre-treatment 3D scan of the patient's face to help them understand the changes surgery will make.

This image is later compared with a post-treatment scan that shows what changes occurred and helps the patient determine whether they got what they expected.

"Currently, when a patient gets plastic surgery of their face they get a treatment sheet which is not very accurate," Professor Bennamoun said.

"What we're working on is a 3D system that compares two overlaid images to produce a single and precise evaluation of the actual effects of a cosmetic procedure."

Dr Bennamoun and his team, which includes cosmetic medical practitioner Dr Michael Molton, are running a trial of the first prototype.

But medical education professor Dr Merrilyn Walton, who is affiliated with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency, warned no technology could provide an "accurate" result of plastic surgery as it relies on an outcome that fails to consider the various factors that could affect it.

"It's a bit like saying, if someone is going in for an operation we can give you this outcome. Well no one can guarantee that," she said.

"It is not just a piece of technology which is a predictor. There is also the environment in which it takes place, qualifications, skill and experience of the surgeon, risks of infection, the protocols they have in place if something goes wrong."

She said plastic surgery predictions were "another commercial tool" used to sway those who were hesitant about undergoing procedures and doubtful about gaining their desired outcome, often without fully understanding the risks.

In the ACT, plastic surgeons are able to operate with few minimum standards and no inspection system to ensure patients are not at increased risk of harm. Professor Walton said relying on doctors alone to put patient safety ahead of profits was "unrealistic and naive".

Even when all goes well in the procedure and patients get what they expect, many are left unhappy, assistant professor in psychology at the University of Canberra Dr Vivienne Lewis said.

"I would imagine this 3D technology will make it clearer for people as to what they will look like after surgery and recovery ... and certainly for some, surgery will make them more body confident, " she said.

"But the clients I see as an expert in the area of body image, are those who are not happy with the results. This is often because they expected that the surgery would solve their self-esteem and confidence issues."

Dr Lewis said she often refers people for body dysmorphic disorder, a serious condition in which someone becomes fixated on an imaginary flaw, and can remain dissatisfied after multiple surgeries.

In an ideal world, Dr Lewis said surgeons would be better educated about identifying vulnerable patients. But of course psychologists are best trained to determine how surgery could impact mental health, and commercial interests could act as a disincentive for surgeons.

She also stressed how predictive imaging does not consider the often traumatic and painful recovery period, which could cause patients to feel depressed after surgery.

The Medical Board of Australia recently issued new guidelines for cosmetic surgeons to take effect in October, which include a seven-day cooling off period for adults before major procedures and a three-month cooling off period for children that is accompanied by a mandatory psychological evaluation.