How to Tell if Before-and-After Dermatology Photos Are Trustworthy and Realistic

Scrolling through before-and-after photos can be inspiring—sometimes even the thing that gives you the confidence to book a consultation. But not all images are created equal. Some are carefully lit, edited, or framed to oversell what a treatment can realistically do. Learning how to read these photos with a critical eye helps you set healthy expectations and choose a provider who values honesty as much as outcomes.

Here are eight ways to tell if before-and-after dermatology photos are actually trustworthy and realistic.

1. Check That the Lighting Is Consistent

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to manipulate how skin looks in photos.

In trustworthy galleries, you’ll notice:

The same type of lighting in both images (no bright “after” shot and dim “before” shot)
No dramatic shadows hiding problem areas in the after photo
No harsh spotlight making the “before” look worse than it is

Consistent lighting helps you see the true change in texture, redness, wrinkles, or pigmentation. If the “after” photo looks like it was taken in a completely different environment or with a spotlight, be cautious.

2. Look at the Angles and Distance

Angles can dramatically alter how results appear, especially with things like jawline contouring, wrinkles, and acne scars.

Ask yourself:

Is the face or body oriented the same way in both photos?
Is the camera at the same height and distance?
Or is the “before” shot close-up and unflattering, while the “after” is further away and more forgiving?

Trustworthy photos are typically taken from the same angle and distance, often marked with standardized positions (front view, left profile, right profile). This makes it easier to evaluate real improvements rather than clever positioning.

3. Assess Facial Expression and Posture

A neutral, relaxed expression is ideal in before-and-after photos. That’s because expression can drastically change the appearance of lines, folds, and overall facial shape.

Compare the two images:

Are they smiling in one and serious in the other?
Is the posture different—slouching vs. standing tall?
Are forehead lines or crow’s feet only visible when they’re smiling in the “before” but expressionless in the “after”?

Consistent expressions and posture show how treatments perform in real life, not just in carefully staged moments.

4. Watch Out for Makeup, Hair, and Accessories

Makeup, hair styling, and even jewelry can subtly influence what you notice in a photo.

Look for:

Minimal or no makeup in both before and after images
No heavy concealer that might hide redness, dark spots, or under-eye circles
Hair pulled back in both photos so it doesn’t obscure key areas of the face

If the “after” photo features full glam makeup and styled hair while the “before” is completely bare, it’s harder to see what changes are due to treatment versus cosmetics and styling.

5. Examine the Skin Texture Up Close

Filters and editing tools can blur pores, fine lines, and scars—making skin look unrealistically smooth. That’s a red flag.

Zoom in (if possible) and look for:

Visible pores and natural skin texture
Some imperfections still present—no one has absolutely flawless skin
A realistic, gradual improvement rather than an airbrushed, “perfect” surface

True dermatology results usually show improvement, not perfection. If skin looks like plastic or overly blurred, the photo may be edited.

6. Look for a Range of Cases, Not Just “Best Of” Highlights

A trustworthy gallery doesn’t just show the most dramatic transformations. It shows a range of real-life outcomes: mild, moderate, and more advanced cases.

Ask yourself:

Are there examples that look similar to your own concerns?
Do you see different ages, skin tones, and types of issues (acne, rosacea, sun damage, wrinkles)?
Or is everything a dramatic “night-and-day” turnaround?

A variety of cases suggests the practice is comfortable showing typical, realistic outcomes—not just their top 1% results.

7. Check for Timeframe Details

Good before-and-after photos often include information about when they were taken in relation to the treatment. This helps you understand what’s realistic in terms of timing.

Look for notes like:

“After 3 months” or “After 2 treatment sessions”
Indications of healing time (for lasers, peels, or injectables)
Whether the photos represent immediate results or long-term outcomes

If no timeframe is provided, it’s harder to know whether you’re seeing a short-lived post-treatment effect or a result that’s been maintained over time.

8. Read the Context and Description

The captions or descriptions beneath before-and-after photos can reveal a lot. Honest, informative galleries typically include:

What treatment or combination of treatments was used
Whether multiple sessions were required
Clarifications like “individual results may vary”
Notes about other lifestyle or skincare changes that might support the outcome

If the image is presented without any explanation or seems to promise identical results for everyone, approach with caution. Personalized care always leads to varied outcomes, and a credible provider will be transparent about that.

Look for Honesty, Not Perfection

A good before-and-after gallery isn’t about flawless, magazine-style images. It’s about clarity, consistency, and transparency. Realistic photos show natural improvements, maintain skin texture, and use consistent lighting, angles, and expressions.

When you know what to look for, you can scroll through images with a more trained eye—and feel more confident about choosing a provider who presents their work honestly. The goal isn’t to chase perfection; it’s to find a dermatologist who respects your expectations, values authenticity, and helps you achieve results that look like the best version of you.