Why photos matter so much
A photo assessment is the first filter for Endolift. Before anyone talks about prices or dates, a doctor needs to see whether your skin and fat are the kind that a 1470 nm laser can realistically improve. Endolift works best for mild to moderate laxity and small fat pockets. It is not the right answer for heavy, hanging skin, and it does not replace lost volume. Good photos let the doctor tell those situations apart.
At TK Medispa, Dr Rohit Seth personally looks at every set of photos before a video consultation is offered. If the photos are unclear, he may ask for new ones, which delays things. Taking them well the first time saves you time and gives you a more reliable opinion. The same advice applies wherever you are being assessed.
The 3 photos you need
For face and neck treatment, the standard set is 3 photos.
- Front: look straight at the camera with your head level and your chin neither tucked in nor lifted.
- Left side: turn your whole body so the left side of your face is towards the camera. Keep looking straight ahead, not at the screen.
- Right side: the same, with the right side of your face towards the camera.
Side views are often the most useful, especially for the jowls, jawline and under chin. They show the angle between the chin and neck, which is hard to judge from the front. For body areas such as the stomach, arms or inner thighs, the same idea applies: a front view and 2 side views of the area, standing relaxed.
Getting the light right
Light changes how skin looks more than anything else. Overhead lights create shadows under the jaw that can make jowls look worse. A flash flattens everything and can hide loose skin. Warm evening light softens texture.
- Stand facing a window during the day, so the light falls evenly on your face.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which causes squinting and harsh shadows.
- Turn off the flash and avoid lamps behind or above you.
- Use a plain wall behind you if you can.
Camera position and posture
The height and distance of the camera can change the apparent shape of the jaw and neck. A camera held low makes the under chin look fuller. A camera held high makes it look tighter. A camera held very close distorts the face.
| Setting | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Camera height | At eye level | Avoids making the neck look better or worse than it is |
| Distance | About an arm's length, or ask someone to help | Reduces distortion of the nose and jaw |
| Framing | From the top of the head to the collarbones | Shows the whole jawline and neck |
| Head position | Level, looking straight ahead | Tilting up or down changes the jawline |
| Expression | Relaxed, mouth closed, no smile | Smiling lifts the cheeks and hides laxity |
Tie long hair back so your jawline and ears are visible. Remove glasses, earrings and scarves. A self timer or a second person usually gives better results than a selfie at arm's length.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most unhelpful photos have the same few problems. Phone beauty modes and filters smooth skin and can hide exactly what the doctor needs to see. Heavy make up has a similar effect. Lifting the chin, pushing the jaw forward or sucking in the cheeks is very natural when you are being photographed, but it makes the assessment less accurate.
It is also worth being honest about anything that may affect suitability. If you have had fillers or threads in the area recently, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, a blood clotting or autoimmune condition, or a history of keloid scarring, mention it when you send your photos. Our article on who should not have Endolift explains why these matter.
Dr Seth's view "I would always rather see a plain, slightly unflattering photo than a flattering photo. My job is to tell you honestly whether Endolift will help. If the photo hides your jowls or your neck, I cannot do that properly. Natural light, level head, no filter. That is all I need."
What happens after you send them
At TK Medispa, Dr Seth reviews the photos and lets you know whether Endolift is likely to suit you. If it is, you are offered a free video consultation with him by Zoom, WhatsApp or Google Meet, where he explains the plan and gives a fixed price. If it is not, he will say so and, where relevant, explain what might suit you better, such as a surgical option for heavier laxity. You can read what the call involves in what happens at an Endolift video consultation, and the full process on the patient journey page.
If you are unsure whether a photo is good enough, send it anyway with a short note. It is easy for the clinic to ask for another angle, and a quick reply is better than waiting for the perfect shot.
Keep a copy of your photos. If you go ahead, the same angles and light will be used for your after photos, so the comparison is fair. That is how the review photos on our before and after page are taken, and it is how you can judge your own progress honestly over the following months.
Next step
When you have your 3 photos (front, left and right, in natural light), you can send them for Dr Seth's free assessment. There is no obligation, and he will give you a straightforward opinion. Send your 3 photos.
Questions people also ask
Can I send a selfie instead?
You can, but selfies are usually taken too close and from slightly below, which distorts the jaw and neck. A self timer with the phone propped at eye level, or a friend taking the photo from an arm's length away, gives a much more accurate picture.
Should I wear make up for the photos?
It is better not to. Foundation and contouring change how light falls on the skin and can hide texture, shadows and laxity. A clean face in natural daylight gives the doctor the clearest view of what Endolift could change.
Are my photos kept private?
Assessment photos are medical information and should be treated confidentially. At TK Medispa they are used only for your assessment and care. They are never used publicly without your separate, explicit consent.
What if Dr Seth says Endolift is not right for me?
He will explain why, honestly. For heavy, hanging skin, surgery is usually more effective. For lost volume, a different treatment may suit you better. Knowing that before spending money is a main purpose of the photo assessment.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed. Endolift® and LASEmaR® are registered trademarks of Eufoton® S.r.l.