In short: The Nefertiti lift is a Botox technique that relaxes the platysma, the thin neck muscle that pulls the lower face and jawline downward. Softening that pull can make vertical neck bands less visible and the jawline look slightly sharper. It suits people with visible bands and mild jawline blurring. It doesn’t remove loose skin, fat or heavy jowls, and results typically last a few months.
Key takeaways
- The platysma is a sheet-like muscle running from the chest and collarbone up over the jaw. When it is very active, it forms vertical neck cords and drags the jawline down.
- The Nefertiti lift places small amounts of botulinum toxin along the jawline and into neck bands.
- Results are subtle and temporary. Skin laxity, fat under the chin and heavy jowls need other treatments.
- Neck injections need an experienced physician, because the muscles involved in swallowing and speech are nearby.
Why “Nefertiti”?
The technique was named after the ancient Egyptian queen, whose famous bust shows a long, elegant neck and a sharp jawline. It was first described in 2007 by Dr P. M. Levy, who reported improvements in neck bands, jowls and jawline definition after injecting botulinum toxin along the lower border of the jaw and into the platysma bands (Levy, 2007).
How the platysma ages the neck and jawline
With age, the platysma can become more prominent as overlying skin thins and fat shifts:
- Vertical neck bands: two or more cords visible when you speak, grimace or tense the neck
- Jawline blurring: the muscle pulls down on the lower face, softening the jawline and deepening jowls
- Downturned mouth corners: working with the depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle
Relaxing these muscles reduces the downward pull. The muscles that lift the face then have slightly more influence, creating a subtle lift.
Who is a good candidate?
| Likely to benefit | Less likely to benefit |
|---|---|
| Visible vertical neck bands, especially when talking or tensing | Significant loose or crepey neck skin |
| Mild jawline blurring from muscle pull | Heavy jowls from fat and laxity |
| Good skin elasticity | Fullness under the chin from fat |
| Wanting a subtle, non-surgical improvement | Wanting a surgical-level neck lift |
What to expect
- Consultation and assessment: the doctor checks the neck and jaw at rest and while you tense and speak, and reviews your medical history. Botox isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with certain neuromuscular conditions.
- Treatment: small injections along the jawline and into each visible band. It usually takes a short appointment with little discomfort.
- Afterwards: small bumps or bruising settle quickly. Avoid massage, heavy exercise and saunas for about a day.
- Results: changes appear over several days and are usually clear by about two weeks, when a review helps fine-tune.
- Longevity: like other Botox treatments, results typically last a few months, after which treatment can be repeated.
Risks and safety
Serious side effects are uncommon when an experienced physician injects appropriate doses. Possible effects include:
- bruising, tenderness or swelling at injection points
- temporary neck weakness or fatigue when lifting the head
- rarely, difficulty swallowing or changes in voice, which need urgent medical advice
- an uneven smile if nearby muscles are affected
Because the platysma lies close to muscles used for swallowing and speech, injection depth and dose matter. In Dubai, Botox is a prescription-only medicine that only a trained, licensed physician may give.
How it compares with other options
| Concern | Nefertiti lift | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| Neck bands | Main target | Surgery for severe bands |
| Mild jawline blurring | Subtle improvement | Jawline filler for structure; Thermage FLX or Morpheus8 for laxity |
| Loose neck skin | Limited | Thermage FLX, Morpheus8, collagen stimulators, surgery |
| Fat under the chin | No effect | Fat-dissolving injections, body-contouring devices, liposuction |
| Heavy jowls | Minimal | Energy devices, filler to support the jawline, surgery |
Many people combine the Nefertiti lift with skin tightening or filler for a more complete lower-face result.
How Roxana Aesthetics can help
At Roxana Aesthetics Clinic on Al Wasl Road, neck bands are treated with Botox after a full assessment of the neck and lower face. Depending on what is causing the change, the plan may also include jawline contouring, double chin treatment, or skin tightening with Thermage FLX.
The bottom line
The Nefertiti lift is a subtle, non-surgical way to soften vertical neck bands and give the jawline a slightly crisper look, by relaxing the platysma’s downward pull. It works best for visible bands and mild jawline blurring, not for loose skin, fat or heavy jowls. If your neck or jawline bothers you, book a consultation with Roxana Aesthetics to find out whether muscle, skin or volume is the main cause, and which treatment fits.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Nefertiti lift?
A Nefertiti lift is a Botox treatment that relaxes the platysma, a neck muscle that pulls the jawline down and forms vertical neck bands. Small injections along the jaw and into the bands can soften the bands and subtly sharpen the jawline. It was named after the Egyptian queen known for her elegant neck.
How long does a Nefertiti lift last?
Like other Botox treatments, results usually last a few months, often around three to four, before muscle activity gradually returns. Many people repeat treatment when the bands become noticeable again. Duration varies with muscle strength, dose and metabolism.
Can the Nefertiti lift get rid of jowls?
It can slightly improve mild jowling caused by muscle pull, but it doesn’t remove sagging skin or fat. Heavier jowls usually need skin tightening, filler to support the jawline, or surgery. An assessment helps identify what is causing your jowls.
Is Botox in the neck safe?
When given by an experienced physician at appropriate doses, Botox for neck bands has been studied in phase 3 trials and was approved in the US for this use in 2024. Side effects such as bruising are common and minor. Rarely, neck weakness or difficulty swallowing can occur, so careful technique matters.
When will I see results from a Nefertiti lift?
Results start to appear within a few days and are usually clear by about two weeks. A review around then lets your doctor check the result and adjust if needed.
Who shouldn’t have a Nefertiti lift?
It isn’t suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with certain neuromuscular conditions, with an infection at the injection sites, or for people with very loose neck skin who expect a surgical-type lift. Your doctor will assess suitability.
Can I combine the Nefertiti lift with fillers or skin tightening?
Yes. Combining treatments is common. Filler can add structure to the jaw and chin, and Thermage FLX or Morpheus8 can address skin laxity, while the Nefertiti lift reduces muscle pull. Your doctor will plan the order and timing.
How much does a Nefertiti lift cost in Dubai?
Cost depends on the number of bands and areas treated and the amount of product needed. A personalised quote is given after a consultation.
This article is general medical information, not a substitute for individual assessment. Botox is a prescription-only medicine in Dubai and must be given by a licensed physician. Seek urgent medical help for difficulty swallowing, speaking or breathing after treatment.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Natallia Kaliashuk
