Botox for the Lower Face – Nefertiti Neck Lift

Botox is most often used aesthetically in the upper face to treat the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet. It has been FDA approved for aesthetic treatments since 2002 and our knowledge has grown exponentially, with many more indications for this very versatile tool.

The face ages obliquely down and in. As we grow older, bone and deep fat loss, as well as displacement of tissue, creates a heaviness in the lower face. Jowling becomes more prominent, and the neck skin becomes more lax. As a result, the contour and definition between the jawline and the neck decreases. Constant use of our devices has also contributed to a phenomenon called the “tech neck” with prominent horizontal lines across the neck from staring down.

While nothing replaces a surgical neck lift, multiple minimally invasive procedures are available to prevent and improve the appearance of the neck and lower face. Hyaluronic fillers can be used to gently fill in the horizontal lines, making them less pronounced. Microneedling and Radiesse, a filler that stimulates collagen, can be used to help promote collagen to maintain skin quality.

Botox is a neuromodulator that prevents the muscles from contracting. The platysma is a flat superficial muscle along the sides of the neck.  It becomes hypertonic over time and forms bands, pulling down on the face and contributing to jowling and a downturned mouth.

Very comfortable and quick injections to the platysmal bands and along the jawline can relax the pull. This helps prevent jowling in younger patients and diminishes it in older ones.  A better-defined jaw line, better skin quality, a more flattering resting face without a downward curve to the mouth are some of the benefits of lower face and neck Botox.

The treatment is called the Nefertiti neck lift in honor of the Egyptian queen known for her beautiful neck. It’s quick and very comfortable. The results last for 3-4 months. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.