Nefertiti Lift
The Nefertiti lift is a non-surgical neck and jawline treatment that uses small, precise neuromodulator injections, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify, along the platysma muscle of the neck and the lower jawline. By releasing the downward pull of the platysma, the jaw appears sharper, neck bands soften, and the lower face is redefined.
The treatment is named for the famous Berlin bust of Queen Nefertiti, whose elongated neck and crisp jawline have come to stand for that aesthetic ideal. The technique was first described in the dermatologic literature in the early 2000s. The idea is anatomic, not poetic: the platysma, a broad, thin sheet of muscle running from the upper chest, over the neck, and onto the lower face, pulls the jawline and corners of the mouth downward when it contracts. Over time, that downward pull deepens jowling and produces the vertical neck bands patients see in the mirror.
By placing small, well-spaced doses of botulinum toxin type A, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify, along the visible neck bands and along the lower border of the jaw, the platysma is relaxed. The muscles that elevate the face are no longer fighting a constant downward tug, so the jawline appears lifted and the neck appears smoother. The result is subtle, definitional, and entirely non-surgical.
A Nefertiti lift is suited to three closely related concerns. First, the vertical cords running down the front of the neck, the platysmal bands or neck bands patients describe as “turkey cords.” Second, a blurred or softening jawline, where the transition from jaw to neck has lost its clean angle. Third, mild early jowling, particularly the downward pull at the corners of the mouth that gives a face a slightly tired or downturned look.
It is important to be candid about what the treatment cannot do. A Nefertiti lift is not a substitute for a surgical neck lift in a patient with significant loose neck skin, heavy submental fullness, or advanced banding. It is the right tool for mild to moderate change. Asking a non-surgical treatment to do the work of a surgical one is the most common reason patients are disappointed elsewhere.
As a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, Dr. Boxrud thinks of the face and neck as one continuous anatomic unit. A Nefertiti lift is often planned together with upper-face neuromodulator treatment, with masseter dosing for the jaw, or with periocular surgery, so that the entire face is in balance. Patients across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills see her for a conservative, anatomic version of the procedure.
- Visit
- 20 to 30 minutes.
- Anesthesia
- None required; topical numbing available.
- Onset
- Softening of neck bands and jawline definition within 7 days; full result by 14 days.
- Duration
- 3 to 4 months for Botox, Dysport, Xeomin. Approximately 6 months for Daxxify.
- Products available
- Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Daxxify.
- Downtime
- None. Light bruising possible; makeup the same day.
- Maintenance
- Most patients return every 3 to 4 months.
- Often combined with
- Upper-face Botox, masseter Botox, dermal filler at the jawline, laser resurfacing.
How long until I see results?
Most patients see softening of the neck bands within a week, with the full jawline-definition effect arriving by two weeks. The improvement is subtle, definitional rather than dramatic, which is the point.
How long does a Nefertiti lift last?
Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin typically last 3 to 4 months in this area. Daxxify can extend duration to approximately 6 months. Most patients schedule maintenance every 3 to 4 months.
Will a Nefertiti lift get rid of neck bands?
Yes, in most cases. The vertical cords of the neck are bands of the platysma muscle. When the platysma is relaxed, those bands soften and visually retreat. Severe bands that persist at rest may need a surgical neck lift instead.
Is this a substitute for a neck lift?
No, it is a different tool for a different stage of change. A surgical neck lift removes excess skin and directly tightens the platysma; a Nefertiti lift relaxes the muscle non-surgically. It is appropriate for mild to moderate concerns, and it can delay, though not replace, the eventual conversation about surgery.
Will my voice or swallowing be affected?
Not when injections are placed in superficial platysma at conservative doses, as in this practice. The deeper muscles of swallowing and voice are anatomically distinct and are avoided by careful placement. This is why technique and anatomic training matter.
Can a Nefertiti lift be combined with other treatments?
Often, yes. It is commonly combined with upper-face Botox, masseter Botox for jaw slimming, dermal filler at the jawline or chin, and laser resurfacing for skin texture. Combinations are discussed and planned at consultation.
Which neuromodulator is best for the Nefertiti lift?
Any of the four FDA-approved products, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Daxxify, can be used. Dysport’s broader diffusion can be useful along longer band lines; Daxxify is appealing where longer duration is desired; Xeomin is a good choice for patients with reduced response to other formulations. Dr. Boxrud will recommend the right one for your goals.