Nefertiti Lift NYC
The Non-Surgical Neck Lift for a Defined Profile
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
The neck is often the first place to reveal our age, yet it is frequently neglected in favor of the face. As we age, the large muscle covering the neck (the platysma) begins to pull downward, blunting the sharp definition of the jawline and creating vertical cords (platysmal bands). The Nefertiti Lift is a specialized technique that reverses this gravitational pull. At The Dermatology and Laser Group, we use strategic Botox injections to relax these downward-pulling muscles, allowing the facial muscles to lift the skin back up. The result is a sharper, tighter jawline and a smoother neck without surgery.
How the Nefertiti Lift Works
The procedure is named after the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti, famous for her elongated, elegant neck and sculpted jawline. It works on the principle of opposing forces. Your facial muscles pull up, while your neck muscles (platysma) pull down. Over time, the neck muscles become overactive and start to win this tug-of-war, dragging the jowls and jawline down with them. By carefully injecting Botox along the jawline and into the upper neck, we weaken the downward pull. This releases the tension, allowing your facial muscles to snap the jawline back into a tighter, more defined position.
Treating Platysmal Bands (Neck Botox)
Beyond the jawline, many women struggle with "vertical cords" that protrude from the neck when they speak or express emotion, or in the worst cases even at rest. These are the edges of the platysma muscle cords showing through the skin. We treat these bands directly with Neck Botox. By relaxing the specific bands that are protruding, the neck appears smoother and more youthful. This treatment is often performed simultaneously with the jawline injections for a comprehensive lower-face rejuvenation.
Comparison: DLG Medical Precision vs. Standard Injection
| Comparison | Standard Injector | DLG Board-Certified Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Focus | ✘ Risk Area. Inexperienced injectors risk affecting muscles involved in swallowing or smiling. |
✔ Anatomical Expert. Dr. Akhavan targets only the superficial platysma, ensuring total safety. |
| The Approach | One-Size-Fits-All. Standard patterns that may not address your specific bands or asymmetry. |
Custom Mapping. We identify exactly where your muscle pulls hardest and treat that specific vector. |
| Pricing Model | Per Unit (Unpredictable). Neck treatments often use high units, leading to shock bills at checkout. |
Flat Fee ($750). We cover the area comprehensively for one transparent price. |
Who is the Best Candidate?
The Nefertiti Lift is ideal for patients with early-to-moderate signs of aging in the lower face. It is perfect for patients who have noticed a loss of jawline sharpness or the appearance of neck bands but are not yet ready for a surgical neck lift. It acts as a bridge between skincare and surgery, offering a "mini-lift" effect with zero downtime. If you have significant loose skin (turkey neck), Dr. Arash Akhavan may recommend combining this with our skin-tightening laser procedures for a more complete result, or may even refer you to a plastic surgeon for a neck lift surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neck Botox
Does the Nefertiti Lift affect my ability to swallow? No. This is a common concern, but when performed by a Board-Certified Dermatologist, it is very safe. We place the Botox into the platysma muscle, which is a superficial muscle just under the skin. The muscles responsible for swallowing are located much deeper in the neck and are not affected by this treatment.
How long does the jawline lifting effect last? Results typically appear within 7-14 days and last approximately 4 months or up to 6 months with Daxxify. Because the neck muscles are in constant use, we recommend maintenance treatments 2-3 times a year to keep the jawline sharp and defined.
Can I combine this with other treatments? Yes. The Nefertiti Lift pairs beautifully with Chin Fillers (to restore structural support) or Ultherapy (to tighten loose skin). This "Stacking" approach often provides a result that rivals surgical outcomes for the right candidate.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Botox, Face and Neck