Nefertiti neck lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce the signs of ageing on the neck while lifting and tightening the jawline.
It is named after Queen Nefertiti of Egypt, who is considered a symbol of beauty and femininity. Much has been written about her bust displayed at the Neues Museum in Berlin.
However, it’s her neck, in particular, that has caught attention for being very long and slender, even being called “serpentine” and “swanlike.” The goal of this treatment is to achieve a neck that looks like that without even having to undergo surgery.
But that’s not always possible since this treatment essentially only targets the platysma muscle in the neck and the jawline. So, if the problem is the presence of very loose skin or excess fat, a Nefertiti neck lift won’t help you. Still, some people do make good candidates for it.
What Is A Nefertiti Neck Lift?
Nefertiti lift was first described in 2007 by Phillip M. Levy in his study published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy as a treatment for the “redefinition of the jawline” using Botulinum toxin type A.
While there’s also a type B (different preparation), Philip stated that it had a greater risk of migrating (moving away from the site of injection), which is why he stuck to type A.
Regardless, the reason behind using Botox injections was that he wanted the platysma muscle in the neck to stop contracting so that they wouldn’t pull down on the face. Additionally, he injected under the lower jaw so the skin around the jawline would be elevated like Nefertiti’s.
Not only would it make the jawline appear sharper and well-defined, but it would also minimise the appearance of the longitudinal bands on the neck, making it look more youthful.
How Long Does Nefertiti Neck Lift Last?
A Nefertiti lift can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Since it uses Botox, which is eventually broken down into amino acids by the body, its effects won’t last longer than that. So, to maintain the results, you’ll have to keep getting these injections.
How Is Nefertiti Neck Lift Done?
Once you arrive at the clinic, your aesthetician will begin by cleaning your injection sites. They may also apply a numbing cream, although Botox injections don’t really cause any pain.
You’ll be asked to clench your neck so that the platysma bands are visible on the neck. But the injection points are mainly along the lower jawline and the upper part of this neck muscle. The doctor who first described this technique used 15-20 units of Botox on each side to achieve the desired effect.
The entire treatment shouldn’t take longer than 15-20 minutes, and it doesn’t have any downtime either. It can be considered a “lunchtime procedure,” although you might still experience redness, bruising or swelling at the site of the injections.
How Much Is A Nefertiti Neck Lift?
In the UK, you can get a Nefertiti neck lift for around £400-£500.
Keep in mind that the price of the treatment can change depending on the location of the clinic, the qualification and experience of your practitioner and the number of areas you’re getting treated.
Do Nefertiti Neck Lifts Work?
Nefertiti neck lifts do work, but patient selection is very important when it comes to this treatment. According to a 2017 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, this treatment is best for:
- A Patient who’s young
- Have hyperactive platysma muscle
- Have elastic skin
These patients, in general, can get the best results. It’s not so much for people who have poor skin laxity and fatty deposits in the neck.
Can A Nefertiti Neck Lift Go Wrong?
If your injector is not experienced, you can experience complications following a Nefertiti lift. One study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal noted that the muscles in the lower face help with “taking, eating, drinking and expressivity.”
Their anatomy and placement are complex, which makes it extremely important for the practitioner to have a good injection technique. Otherwise, it can affect your normal functioning.
Nefertiti Neck Lift vs Surgical Neck Lift: What’s The Difference?
The main difference between a Nefertiti neck lift and a surgical neck lift is that the former can only create a subtle lifting effect and is most suited for younger patients who already have good skin.
However, in a surgical neck lift, the surgeon tightens the muscles in your neck, cuts out excess skin, and removes extra fat to completely change the contour of your neck. It is far more dramatic, but, of course, its recovery takes longer.
Here’s a summary of the differences between the two treatments:
| Nefertiti Neck Lift | Surgical Neck Lift | |
| Procedure | Inject Botox in the lower mandible and platysma muscle to lift the neck | Tighten the platysma muscle and remove excess skin and fat to smooth out the skin of the neck |
| Good Candidates | Young patients with elastic skin and visible platysma bands | You have a hanging Turkey neck with excess skin and fat (even jowls and/or a double chin) |
| Anaesthesia | Not required (only numbing cream) | General anaesthesia |
| Downtime | None | 1-2 weeks |
| Side Effects | Swelling, bruising, and redness | Swelling, bruising, soreness, discomfort and tightness |
| Cost | £400-£500 | UK: £5,000 to £10,000 Turkey: £2,000-£3,000 |
Conclusion
Nefertiti neck lift can be a very helpful treatment in getting you your desired neck contour. However, since it’s a non-surgical option, you shouldn’t expect it to give you dramatic results, especially if you have severely hanging skin with excess fat.
In that case, you might be better suited for a surgical neck lift instead. But whatever may be the case, if you’re not happy with your neck’s appearance, you should consult an experienced and qualified board-certified plastic surgeon for a suitable treatment plan.
Reviewed and approved by Prof Dr Fuat Yuksel
