The Nefertiti Lift is named after the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, who lived during 14th Century BC and was well known for her distinct and elegant jawline.
Here’s what you need to know about this increasingly popular, no-knife neck rejuvenation procedure.
“It wasn’t until the early 2000s that Botox injections were considered a potential treatment for improving the appearance of the neck,” explains Swiss dermatologist Dr. Phillip Levy, the originator of the Nefertiti Lift.
While some patients will have an eventual need for a more intensive surgery as they age, the Nefertiti Lift can successfully produce the visual effect of a “mini lift.”
The Nefertiti Lift is administered within a 5–15 minute timeframe, Botox is injected into several locations along the lower jaw and down the patient’s neck. The injections in the neck are focused in the platysma muscles, which serve to pull the jaw muscles downward.
“The platysma muscle acts as a major depressor in the lower face with subsequent in aesthetic complications, and “Botulinum toxin A can be very useful to reverse some of these [unwanted complications].”
Injections to the neck and jawline result in a noticeable tightening, smoothing, and lifting effect of the skin.
“When the platysma muscle contracts, there is a downward pull on the tissues of the lower face, including the jowls,” Relaxing the platysma will reduce this downward pull.”
While results may be visible immediately following the treatment, it can take several days to fully appreciate the injections’ lifting effects.
“The results of Botox and Dysport usually take one to two weeks to see and then last three to four months.
Like any botulinum toxin treatment, these effects are not permanent. In order to sustain the appearance of a lifted and tighter jaw and neckline, patients are recommended to undergo several treatments a year, depending on their individual needs.
“I recommend that my patients get the treatment at least three times a year.
Ideal candidates meet several of the following descriptions:
- Normal or thin weight
- No excessive fat along the jawline
- Loose or folding skin below the chin or jawline
- Neck bands or turkey neck
- Mild to severe “jowls” or cheeks that hang below the jawline
- Rippled appearance along the jawline
- A very pronounced, square jawline
While the Nefertiti Lift is considered a reasonably safe and easy complement to other aesthetic techniques for improving the appearance of one’s jawline and neck, this treatment should only be administered by an experienced practitioner.
Excessive doses or inaccurate injection points can quickly lead to “undesirable” side effects, such as:
- Temporary bruising or pain at the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea
- Redness in the treated area
- Temporary facial weakness or drooping
In addition to scheduling Nefertiti treatments every three to four months, it is crucial that patients understand that the success of their treatment—both short term and long term—will be affected by their everyday skincare routine.
“The patients who see the best results,” “are those who take their anti-aging skincare regimen seriously.”
Use sunscreen, avoid sunburns, apply retinol cream, don’t smoke, and eat an overall healthy diet—these are the most basic and effective steps any person can take to maintain healthy looking skin, before and after receiving any cosmetic treatments like the Nefertiti Lift.
I hope this helps in answering you questions. Thank you.
Elizabeth Long, FNP-C