Whole body photography

Tracking changes in moles, lesions, and rashes over time can be challenging. Whole body photography, also called total body photography (TBP), documents the skin through a series of photos taken at different intervals. This baseline record helps your dermatologist spot new or changing lesions early and can prevent the removal of harmless moles. It’s especially helpful for people with lots of moles who are at risk for skin cancer, including melanoma. TBP can also be used to monitor conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.

More cancer centers and academic dermatology clinics now use TBP as a preventative tool for early skin cancer detection. Dermatologists review the images, but they may work with a specially trained medical photographer, sometimes called a melanographer, for two-dimensional (2D) whole body photography. For three-dimensional (3D), 360-degree whole body photography, trained technicians or medical staff run the imaging system. At Penn Medicine Dermatology, we offer both 2D and 3D, 360-degree whole body photography.

A whole body scan can help keep track of your skin health, especially if you have:

• A personal or family history of skin cancer or melanoma
• Fair skin that’s been severely sunburned
• Multiple (50 or more) moles
• Moles in places that are hard to see and monitor
• Large or unusual moles with different colors or patterns
• Moles or skin lesions that change size, shape, and color
• Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or vitiligo that need monitoring

Your experience will depend on the type of whole body photography your provider uses, but both methods are quick, noninvasive, and designed to capture clear images of your skin. You’ll need to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown, and you’ll also be asked to take off any jewelry.

A 3D scan is typically done using an automated whole-body imaging system. You’ll step into a walk-through scanning booth, with a technician nearby to guide you through the process. As you stand still in one pose, multiple cameras take pictures at the same time. The machine captures your entire skin surface and can create a full-body image in less than a minute.

For the 2D scan, photos are typically taken in a private room or studio within the clinic or hospital. A medical photographer will guide you through a set of standardized poses, including front, back, and side views. Floor markings or a backdrop may be used to help you stay in the correct position, and photos are taken from a consistent distance. This helps make sure your images can be accurately compared over time. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Whole body photography is a noninvasive tool, so there’s no recovery time needed. After the session, your dermatologist will review the images. If they identify a new or changing lesion, they’ll discuss the appropriate next steps with you. If they don’t see anything concerning, they’ll recommend when you should return for another set of photos, usually every five to seven years.

The real value of whole body photography comes at your follow-up visits. Comparing the images helps your dermatologist spot any new moles or changes in existing spots over time.

A total body scan for skin cancer helps your dermatologist identify which spots really need a closer look with a biopsy. This means fewer unneeded procedures and better care for you.

As the nation’s first dermatology department, Penn Medicine has a long history of excellence in skin care, including 2D and 3D whole body photography. Our specialists, often recognized as top doctors, provide patient-focused care using the latest diagnostic tools. With dedicated research labs and onsite dermatopathology facilities to examine skin samples, we’re leading the way in advancing skin health. This means you’ll receive expert, thorough monitoring.