What Is a Nefertiti Lift? How Botox Can Define the Jawline & Smooth the Neck

Over the last several years, there has been a growing interest in non-surgical facial contouring. As we age, we lose fat, muscle, bone, and collagen, leading to laxity and volume loss in the lower face. This laxity can lead to common patient complaints, such as sagging of the jawline and a lack of definition. The neck bands also become more prominent, which can be a display of aging in some patients. A solution for these common concerns is the “Nefertiti lift” which is a treatment using a neurotoxin like Botox or Dysport. Though this treatment can yield wonderful results, it is important to note that it is temporary and non-surgical. Let’s dive into what is included in this treatment and what to expect! 

By: Mallory

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What Is a Nefertiti Lift?

A Nefertiti lift is a cosmetic treatment using Botox or Dysport to improve the jawline and neck appearance. This treatment is inspired by the sharply defined, elegant neck and jawline of Nefertiti, the famous queen of ancient Egypt. This modern procedure, developed in the early 2000s, involves injecting Botox or Dysport into the platysma muscle along the jawline and neck. In doing so, this helps to subtly lift and redefine the lower face, mimicking that of a smooth neck and jawline associated with that of Nefertiti.

How Botox Works for the Jawline and Neck

So how exactly does this treatment work? Botox or Dysport are neurotoxins that are injected into muscles and help them relax in the opposite direction they naturally want to move. The platysma muscle is a large muscle that, by nature, pulls down from the neck to the clavicle. When the muscle is relaxed, using a neurotoxin, the downward pull on the jawline is released. In addition, the appearance of the neck bands also becomes diminished and smoother. Results are highly dependent on dose, technique, and precision. It also may work better for some patients than others, and it is a temporary measure. 

Can Botox Tighten the Neck Area?

A common misconception with this treatment is that Botox or Dysport actually tightens the neck area. Botox and Dysport are two neurotoxins that work by relaxing the muscles they are injected into. They unfortunately do not help treat the skin, tighten the skin, or add more collagen or elastin to the skin.  Botox and Dysport simply relax the muscles that are pulling the skin downward in the jowl and neck areas.  Patients who receive great treatment with this injection typically are those who hope to improve the jawline and have strong neck bands.  This treatment is best done with other treatments, such as Sculptra injections or lasers, to help increase collagen and skin laxity.

Risks and Considerations

The Nefertiti lift treatment is generally a very well-tolerated treatment. There are some common side effects, which include mild swelling, redness, and bruising. Less commonly, there are risks associated with temporary muscle weakness, which may affect the neck or jaw movement. For this reason, we recommend this treatment be completed by an experienced injector familiar with lower-face anatomy. All of our nurse practitioners are highly skilled in this treatment and are ready to treat you! 

Conclusion 

The Nefertiti lift is a treatment that uses a neurotoxin such as Botox or Dysport to target the platysma muscle in the neck. It can help enhance jawline definition and smooth out neck lines/wrinkles in doing so! It is important to understand that this treatment yields subtle, temporary results. This treatment is best suited for patients who are seeking a natural refresh without surgery.  We always recommend consulting with one of our licensed Nurse Practitioners before treatment to ensure this is the best option for you. Schedule a consultation today!