Okay getting the thread back to Dawn but still using displacement as an example.

Dawn has a X amount sized mesh.

I decide to make a batman style Two Face character for her.

I can either mess around in ZBRush and model that information on to the mesh and increase the mesh size and load back as a morph, as long as I don't add or subtract anything from the mesh.

Or.....

I can do a displacement map with all the burns, wrinkles etc.

That image file does not add to the Dawn mesh size, it remains the same, but the displacement mesh does all the nice things.

This is also how they do 2nd skin battle suits etc.

All the best.

Great Uncle LROG

Who honors those we love for the very life we live?, Who sends monsters to kill us?, and at the same time sings that we will never die., Who teaches us whats real?, and how to laugh at lies?, Who decides why we live and what we'll die to defend?, Who chains us?, and Who holds the key that can set us free... It's You!, You have all the weapons you need., Now Fight!