The Nefertiti Lift

The Nefertiti Lift is a non-surgical treatment that places small doses of botulinum toxin type A into the platysma muscle of the neck and along the jawline. By relaxing the muscle’s downward pull, it allows the jaw to sit more crisply and helps smooth vertical neck bands. It is named after Queen Nefertiti, an icon of an elegant, defined jaw and neck.

It suits people whose jawline is beginning to lose definition, who have prominent vertical neck bands, or who tend to tense the neck, and who want a subtle, non-surgical refinement. It is best for a softening jaw and early neck concerns rather than significant skin laxity. Suitability is confirmed at consultation.

For the right candidate, yes — relaxing the platysma reduces its downward pull on the jaw, which can improve jawline definition, soften neck bands and give a more balanced lower face. The change is subtle and natural rather than dramatic, and results vary from person to person.

The platysma is a broad sheet of muscle running from the lower face to the collarbone that constantly pulls the jawline downward. Placing tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into it relaxes that pull, letting the lifting muscles of the lower face define the jaw more crisply and smoothing the vertical bands the platysma creates.

No. It is a minimally invasive injectable treatment, not surgery. There are no incisions and no general anaesthetic — just a series of tiny injections — which is why downtime is minimal. It is designed for subtle refinement rather than the change a surgical neck lift achieves.

Most people find it quick and easily tolerated. Very fine needles are used and the injections feel like brief, small pinpricks; anaesthetic is not usually needed. The appointment is brief and any tenderness afterwards is usually mild.

The effect is not instant. It usually begins around three to fourteen days after treatment and settles by about two weeks, as the platysma relaxes and the jawline becomes more defined. We can arrange a review at the two-week point if needed.

On average the effect lasts around three to four months, depending on the dose administered, your metabolism and the strength of the muscle treated. After this, movement gradually returns and most people have maintenance appointments a few times a year to sustain the result.

Downtime is minimal — most people return to their normal day straight away. A small bruise or pinpoint redness can occur at an injection site and settles quickly. We advise staying upright and avoiding heavy exercise and rubbing the area for the rest of the day.

Not on its own. The Nefertiti Lift relaxes muscle to improve definition, but it does not tighten or remove loose or excess skin. Where skin laxity is the main concern, a skin-tightening treatment such as Endolift® or, for marked laxity, a surgical opinion may be more appropriate. Dr Nina will advise honestly.

Yes. The Nefertiti Lift is often combined with skin-tightening treatments such as Endolift® or EMFACE®, with jawline slimming for a wide jaw, or with anti-wrinkle injections — addressing muscle, skin and structure together. Dr Nina will advise on what is appropriate and the right sequence.

They treat different muscles for different goals. Jawline slimming relaxes the masseter to reduce a wide, square jaw and ease teeth grinding. The Nefertiti Lift relaxes the platysma in the neck to improve jaw and neck definition and soften neck bands. They are complementary and can be combined where both concerns are present.

Botulinum toxin has been used safely in medicine for many years and is generally well tolerated. Treating the neck requires an understanding of the anatomy and conservative dosing, because nearby muscles are involved in swallowing and expression. As a prescription medicine it should only be given after assessment, and Dr Nina will discuss any less common risks at your consultation.

The Nefertiti Lift at Facial Sculpting is from £600 per session. The exact plan, including whether it is combined with other treatments, is confirmed at your consultation.

Yes. Because botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine, a consultation and assessment are required to examine your jawline, neck and platysmal bands and your medical history, confirm suitability, discuss realistic outcomes and alternatives, and agree your individual plan and price.