You may be interested in a Nefertiti lift if you want to reverse the signs of aging along your lower face, jaw, and neck. This cosmetic procedure can be done in a doctor’s office and involves several injections in the area you want to be treated.
It’s a procedure that lasts several months and may help you delay or skip a more invasive type of cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift.
Learn more about the Nefertiti lift, including what the procedure and recovery are like, and how much it typically costs.
A Nefertiti lift is a cosmetic procedure performed with botulinum toxin injections in the lower part of your face, jaw, and neck.
Botulinum toxin is also known under the brand names Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. It’s a substance made from bacteria that when injected temporarily blocks nerves in your muscles to prevent contraction. Muscle contraction can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging.
The procedure’s name refers to the ancient Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, known for her elongated, thin neck. The Nefertiti lift targets the platysma band of muscles that run vertically from the bottom of the face to your collarbone.
A doctor will inject botulinum toxin into specific parts of this muscle to:
- lessen lines around the bottom part of the face
- smooth dimpled skin on the chin
- erase or reduce folds or sagging of the lower part of the face
- even out the symmetry of the lower face, jaw, and neck
- remove lines on the neck
- create a more pronounced definition of the jaw
A Nefertiti lift is a temporary way to restore a youthful look without surgery.
It’s important to know that the use of botulinum toxin in the platysma is considered off-label. This means it hasn’t been reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in specifically treating the lower face, jaw, and neck.
Several studies in the last decade have found the procedure to have positive results.
One study examined several prior articles on the Nefertiti lift and found that it’s a highly effective treatment. One of the articles the study detailed found that 88.4 percent of participants observed an improvement in the appearance of their neck after the procedure.
A
Keep in mind that this procedure doesn’t fix signs of aging permanently. The results of a Nefertiti lift only last a few months to half a year.
The Nefertiti lift is an outpatient procedure that requires a doctor to inject a substance into your face, neck, and jaw.
It doesn’t require surgery, so many people can undergo the procedure with minimal risk. Those unhappy with signs of aging may be the ideal candidates for the procedure.
Several groups of people may not be good candidates for the Nefertiti lift. These include those:
- who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- diagnosed with or who have a family history of certain health conditions like myasthenia gravis or Eaton-Lambert syndrome
- with an infection
- taking any medications or drugs that aren’t compatible with botulinum toxin
- with certain psychological conditions
A Nefertiti lift involves:
- a consultation with a doctor to discuss your treatment goals
- an examination from your doctor to evaluate your physical health, your family history, and the requirements of the procedure
- an outpatient session of 15 minutes or more where a doctor will use a small needle to inject botulinum toxin into the muscle band along your lower face, jaw, and neck about a half inch apart
This procedure involves very little recovery. You can leave your appointment and resume daily activities with no downtime.
You may need more than one procedure to achieve your desired results.
Your doctor will determine the specific injections you need based on a personal evaluation. For example, you may need more injections on one side of your body than the other side to create symmetry.
There are some side effects of the Nefertiti lift, similar to other cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin. These include:
- bruising or redness at the injection site
- difficulty swallowing
- weakness in your neck
- flu-like symptoms
- headache
You may experience side effects if you receive an injection with too much botulinum toxin or an injection in the wrong place.
Talk to your doctor about how to prepare and recover from the procedure to minimize any side effects.
A Nefertiti lift requires a doctor who is knowledgeable of the complex muscle band that runs along your lower face to your collarbone.
You can find a board-certified doctor on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
When you meet with your selected doctor, ask them about:
- their history performing Nefertiti lifts
- their accreditations and their facility’s accreditations
- whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure
- who will perform the procedure
- what the procedure will involve, where it will be, and how long it will take
- what you need to do to have good results from the procedure
- any risks you may face from the procedure
- what you can expect after the procedure
You don’t need to move forward with a doctor if you’re unsatisfied with their responses to your questions. You can meet with several doctors before deciding which one is right for you.
A Nefertiti lift is an elective cosmetic procedure. That means your insurance won’t pay for it.
The cost of a Nefertiti lift varies based upon where you live. Your doctor’s experience may also factor into the cost.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a botulinum toxin injection in 2018 was $397.
However, a Nefertiti lift tends to be more expensive than this, around $800, as the number of units needed to treat this area is about twice as much as an average facial treatment.
A Nefertiti lift can help reverse the signs of aging by providing temporary smoothing and definition along your lower face, jaw, and neck.
The procedure usually lasts several months and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.
Talk to your doctor about whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.