Nefertiti Lift in NYC

The Nefertiti Lift is a non-surgical treatment that defines the jawline and smooths the neck using neuromodulators and dermal filler. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Yael Halaas performs the Nefertiti Lift in NYC and Westchester with no incisions or downtime.

A Facial Plastic Surgeon's Approach to Jawline and Neck Rejuvenation

The Nefertiti Lift takes its name from the ancient Egyptian queen celebrated for her elegant, graceful neckline. Dr. Halaas brings a surgeon's perspective to this treatment. Because she also performs neck lifts and facelifts, she understands how the muscles, fat, and skin of the lower face change with age. That insight helps her decide when injectables can deliver the result you want and when another approach would serve you better.

What Is a Nefertiti Lift?

A Nefertiti Lift is an injectable treatment that relaxes the platysma, the thin sheet of muscle that runs from the jawline down the front of the neck. When the platysma contracts, it pulls the lower face downward and can create visible vertical cords on the neck, known as platysma bands. Over time, this downward pull softens the jawline and contributes to a heavier-looking lower face. By relaxing the platysma, the Nefertiti Lift lets the muscles that lift the face work with less resistance. The result is a crisper jawline, a smoother neck, and softer bands. This treatment now has strong regulatory backing. In October 2024, the FDA approved Botox® Cosmetic to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe platysma bands in adults, making it the first neurotoxin approved for this use, as reported by Healio.

How Dr. Halaas Performs the Nefertiti Lift

Unlike a traditional neck lift, the Nefertiti Lift requires no general anesthesia, incisions, or sutures. Dr. Halaas typically combines two steps for more complete results.

Step 1: Neuromodulator Injections Along the Jaw and Neck

Dr. Halaas injects Botox into the platysma muscles along the jawline and the vertical bands of the neck. As the muscle relaxes over the following days, the jawline appears more defined, and the folds and cords of the upper neck soften.

Step 2: Dermal Filler Along the Jawline

Next, Dr. Halaas may inject dermal filler along the jawline to restore structure where volume has thinned with age. She selects the filler, such as Radiesse, Voluma, or Restylane, based on your anatomy and goals. Filler corrects the uneven, sagging contour that can develop along the jaw.

Benefits of the Nefertiti Lift

The Nefertiti Lift offers a non-surgical way to refine the lower face and neck. Benefits include:

A sharper, more defined jawline
Softer vertical neck bands
A smoother transition between the jaw and neck
Less downward pull at the corners of the mouth
A quick in-office treatment with no incisions
Little to no downtime
Results that can be adjusted over time

Are You a Candidate for a Nefertiti Lift?

Ideal candidates for the Nefertiti Lift are experiencing early signs of aging around the jawline and upper neck. You may be a good candidate if you:

Have visible neck bands, especially when you speak or tense your neck
Notice a softening or loss of definition along your jawline
Have good skin elasticity
Are in good overall health and not pregnant or breastfeeding
Have realistic expectations for a non-surgical treatment

Patients with significant skin laxity or more advanced aging in the neck may not achieve satisfying results with injectables alone. In those cases, Dr. Halaas may recommend a neck lift or a combination plan.

Why Choose Dr. Halaas for a Nefertiti Lift in NYC?

Dr. Halaas is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, two boards focused specifically on the head, neck, and face. Her training covers the detailed anatomy of the neck, which matters when injecting a muscle that sits near structures involved in swallowing and speech.

She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a clinical investigator in FDA trials for aesthetic treatments, and a physician educator who has trained thousands of doctors in injectable techniques. She has worked with Allergan, the maker of Botox Cosmetic, and treats patients at her offices in Midtown Manhattan and Westchester.

What to Expect From a Nefertiti Lift

Consultation and Cost

During your consultation, Dr. Halaas will evaluate your jawline and neck at rest and while you tense your neck muscles. She will explain whether a Nefertiti Lift can achieve your goals and whether adding filler would help. The cost of a Nefertiti Lift depends on the number of neuromodulator units needed and whether filler is part of your plan. Dr. Halaas will provide a personalized quote after your assessment, and financing options are available.

The Treatment Experience

A Nefertiti Lift typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. The neuromodulator injections feel like brief pinches, and most fillers contain lidocaine for added comfort. You can return to your normal routine right away.

Recovery and Results

You may have mild redness, swelling, or small bruises at the injection sites for a few days. Neuromodulator results appear within about a week and reach their full effect at two weeks, lasting roughly three to four months. Filler results are visible immediately and often last a year or longer, depending on the product.

Nefertiti Lift vs. Neck Lift and Other Alternatives

The Nefertiti Lift is best for early changes, while a surgical neck lift removes excess skin and tightens underlying tissue for more dramatic, longer-lasting results. Dr. Halaas offers a full range of lower-face treatments and may suggest one of the following instead of or alongside a Nefertiti Lift:

Kybella to dissolve fat under the chin
FaceTite for minimally invasive skin tightening
Morpheus8 to improve skin quality and firmness
Silhouette InstaLift to lift sagging tissue with dissolvable sutures

Nefertiti Lift FAQs

How long does a Nefertiti Lift last?

The neuromodulator portion of a Nefertiti Lift typically lasts three to four months. Filler along the jawline often lasts a year or longer.

Does a Nefertiti Lift hurt?

Most patients feel only quick pinches during the injections. Treatment is well tolerated and requires no anesthesia.

What are the side effects of a Nefertiti Lift?

Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and bruising. Rarely, patients may experience temporary neck weakness or difficulty swallowing. Precise dosing and placement by an experienced injector with advanced neck anatomy training minimizes these risks.

How often should I repeat a Nefertiti Lift?

Most patients repeat the neuromodulator treatment every three to four months to maintain results. Filler touch-ups are needed less often.

Can men get a Nefertiti Lift?

Yes. Men also develop platysma bands and jawline softening, and Dr. Halaas tailors treatment to preserve a strong, naturally masculine jaw.

Is the Nefertiti Lift the same as a neck lift?

No. A Nefertiti Lift is a non-surgical injectable treatment with temporary results, while a neck lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and tightens deeper tissue.

Schedule Your Nefertiti Lift Consultation With Dr. Halaas

If you want a more defined jawline and smoother neck without surgery, Dr. Halaas can help you decide whether the Nefertiti Lift is right for you. Contact our Manhattan or Westchester office to schedule an in-person or virtual consultation for a Nefertiti Lift in NYC.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

Sources

Healio. FDA Approves Botox Cosmetic for Platysma Bands
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers)

Written by Dr. Halaas