The Plastic Surgery Video Game
It was only a matter of time before someone used image modification technology to create a video application that can show how a person would look after various cosmetic surgery operations were performed.
Photo “makeovers” have become an obsession with young people who use the technology to explore the possibilities of what they would look like with a smaller nose or fuller lips. Though the use of photo editing programs is nothing new, however, one plastic surgeon has taken it a step further by creating a beauty makeover application for use through an iPhone/iPod Touch device.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer combines personal imaging software with gaming features to create an application that puts changing your physical appearance into a video game mode. The game is called iSurgeon and it allows a user to upload personal photos to see what they would look like after various cosmetic procedures. The game mode of the application comes with sound effects and allows players to play the role of the actual surgeon and score points by successfully modifying the “patient’s” appearance.
The highest points are scored by getting as close to emulating the desired appearance of the patient as possible. By using an iPhone users can easily send images of their completed procedures to family and friends or upload the image onto their Facebook page as a link to Facebook is built into the App.
Dr. Salzhauer’s game introduces players to procedures that he provides in his Miami cosmetic surgery offices. Breast augmentation, liposuction, face lifts, tummy tucks, and nose jobs are only a few of the surgeries that can be performed on the game. Dr. Salzhauer believes that his App is not only a fun and entertaining way to pass the time, but it is a valuable tool to assist people in seeing if plastic surgery is something for them to explore. Dr. Salzhauer explained, “iSurgeon serves a dual purpose, providing those interested in cosmetic surgery treatments with a clear visual of what they would look like post-surgery, while also providing a fun entertaining game tool.” Is cosmetic surgery gaming the wave of the future? Maybe so.
