3D total body photography

3D total body photography (TBP), also called whole-body photography, is an advanced imaging technology that uses multiple cameras to take pictures of your entire skin surface all at once. Software using artificial intelligence (AI) combines the images to create a detailed 3D model of your body, called an avatar. The technology can help your dermatologist document your skin and identify areas that may need closer evaluation over time. 

Penn Dermatology is one of the few dermatology practices in the country to offer an innovative 3D 360-degree whole-body photography system. This leading-edge technology is transforming how we detect and monitor skin cancer and other dermatologic conditions.

3D total body photography may be recommended for people who have many moles or other skin lesions, a personal or family history of skin cancer or other skin conditions that require close monitoring:

• Eczema
• Melanoma
• Other forms of skin cancer 
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo

If you are currently a Penn Dermatology patient, your provider can determine whether 3D total body photography may benefit you. New patients should first schedule a consultation and skin examination with one of our dermatology providers. If appropriate, your provider may recommend 3D total body photography as part of your ongoing care and skin monitoring. It is designed to complement, not replace, your regular dermatology visits and skin examinations. 

3D 360-degree whole-body photography may provide several additional benefits to patients, including:

• Early detection: With the help of this advanced technology, our team can identify subtle changes that may not be easy to see by the human eye alone, resulting in early detection of a developing disease.
• Accurate and personalized treatment plans: High-resolution photography allows your provider to analyze your unique features, such as texture, size, color, and pigmentation, in greater detail. This enables them to evaluate the skin with greater accuracy and confidence when developing a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
• Minimizing additional invasive procedures: When combined with dermoscopy, this technology helps our team closely examine the characteristics and structure of skin lesions. This allows our providers to make more informed decisions about whether further procedures, such as skin biopsies, are necessary.
• Alleviating anxiety and minimizing discomfort: Rather than repositioning multiple times and posing for a series of 2D photographs of the body surface area, one 3D 360-degree photography session captures almost the entire skin surface in seconds, minimizing the number of additional 2D photos needed.

During the session, you will stand in position while 92 digital cameras capture detailed images of your skin from multiple angles. The imaging process does not involve radiation or magnetic exposure. You typically need to remain still for less than 10 seconds.

To create the clearest possible images, you may need to prepare before your appointment. Your care team will provide specific instructions, which may include:

• Avoiding makeup, lotions, and oils on your skin on the day of your appointment
• Avoiding self-tanner for at least six weeks before your visit
• Removing jewelry and other accessories that may interfere with imaging
• Removing nail polish and artificial nails so the natural nails and surrounding skin can be photographed
• Wearing brief-style underwear rather than boxers or loose-fitting garments, and avoiding dark colors, polka dots, or shiny materials
• Pulling back your hair so your face, neck, and ears are visible
• Avoiding shiny or metallic hair accessories that may reflect light
• Trimming body hair to improve visibility of the skin

Please inform our team ahead of time if:

• You are at risk of falling or have difficulty standing still for short periods of time 
• You have a seizure disorder or a sensitive to bright or flashing lights
• You wear a continuous glucose monitor as some models may be sensitive to light

3D total body photography is a noninvasive tool, so there’s no recovery time needed. Once the record has been created, you’ll return for a follow-up visit, during which your dermatologist will review the images. If your provider identifies a new or changing lesion, they’ll discuss the appropriate next steps with you. Based on your medical history and exam findings, they’ll recommend when you should return for another set of photos.

The real value of this technology comes at your follow-up visits. Your securely stored images from previous visits are available to your Penn Dermatology team. Comparing these images with your most recent ones helps us spot any new moles or changes in existing spots. When needed, we can also link dermoscopy images to specific areas identified during your 3D photography session. Dermoscopy uses an illuminated magnifying lens to examine the structure, pigmentation, and color of a skin lesion in greater detail.

By comparing images over time, your providers can monitor your skin and determine whether additional testing or treatment, such as a skin lesion biopsy, may be needed.

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 3D total body photography. Our specialists provide expert, thorough monitoring care using the latest diagnostic tools. With dedicated research labs and onsite dermatopathology facilities to examine skin samples, we’re leaders in advancing preventive, proactive skin health.