Revisiting Visual Criteria of the Ideal Neck in the Young Caucasian Female

Abstract Background The description of the aesthetically ideal neck was first described by Ellenbogen and colleagues in 1980. Since then, visual and aesthetic goals of patients have evolved as new surgical techniques have been described. Objectives Our study aims to provide current objective data regarding the aesthetically ideal neck in a young Caucasian female and evaluate Ellenbogen’s original criteria for a youthful neck in this specific population. Methods A survey was created and deployed using the Amazon MTurk platform. Respondents rated a panel of digitally altered female necks from most to least attractive. Results These results concur with Ellenbogen’s findings and suggest new criteria for defining the ideal neck: 1. Defined anterior two thirds of the mandible; 2. Presence of a subhyoid depression; 3. Subtle thyroid cartilage bulge; 4. Partial sternocleidomastoid definition; 5. Cervicomental angle of 100 degrees. Conclusions While the visual criteria proposed by Ellenbogen mostly hold true, surgeons should focus on communicating with patients to determine their specific anatomic surgical goals and implementing the appropriate operative intervention.