The next time you see an advertisement for nonsurgical facial wrinkle removal, look carefully - and twice - at the before and after pictures. The pictures will show faces, usually women, that have had wrinkles miraculously removed without surgery, using special ointments, gels and procedures by a doctor. Look again and see where the light is coming from in these photos.
The before photos will have been illuminated from a downward angle, which causes shadows in the wrinkled areas, thus emphasizing them. Look for the telltale shadow under the nose.
After the miracle cure, the pictures are illuminated straight at the individual's face which, of course, removes the wrinkles. And it is true, the photos are not retouched, just taken differently to deceive. This is false and misleading advertising at its best.
Thomas Rumreich
Wailea
