The “Nefertiti lift” or treatment of platysmal bands is a popular cosmetic treatment among patients 40 and above.  

In a recent study, it was found that there was a long lasting effect of Botox on the platysmal bands, and observing the treatment after 15 days at maximal tension and rest.

In that study, Jabbouri et al. (2017) had a sample of 30 patients, all female. The mean dosage for all patients were around 100.6 to 128 units of abobotulinumtoxin A.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) is now used extensively for rejuvenation of the forehead, glabellar and periocular regions and there is increasing focus on treatment of the lower face. Although there is well-documented evidence for the efficacy of botulinum toxin in the correction of platysmal bands, little work has been done to explore its potential role in rejuvenation of the jawline. To date, effects in this area have been reported as a consequence of platysmal banding treatment and are inconsistent. Hesitancy to explore treatment may be due to evidence of a greater, more durable response to the toxin in the lower facial muscles as well as reports of increased potential migration and subsequent side effects. This paper describes a new technique using BoNTA (Vistabel); Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) to drape the skin of the jawline contour and provide the visual effect of a 'mini lift'. Experience with 130 patients with doses of BoNTA up to 20 U is described. Patient satisfaction is extremely high and the specificity of dosing and technique has led to a low incidence of adverse effects. The 'Nefertiti lift' is a minimally invasive, effective and acceptable alternative for those patients seeking an effective way to push back surgery.

Findings:

• 90% would undergo the treatment once more
• 93.3% will recommend the treatment to friends and family
• Five patients experienced ecchymosis, while one had mild dysphagia

Eight patients showed improvement based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). The scores on contraction and at rest were decreased after the treatment.

Nefertiti lifts have shown efficacy in many studies, with researchers finding few side effects which faded after a while.

One of the earliest researches on the Nefertiti lift was by Levy (2007), with the treatment showing efficacy after two weeks to 96.92% of the patients. Additionally, there was recontouring and elevation in those patients. Another study also delved into the treatment of platysmal bands (Hexsel et al., 2011). Their recommended injection techniques were symmetrical and superficial. Side effects were dysphasia, dysphonia, and neck weakness.

Abstract: Botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) is now used extensively for rejuvenation of the forehead, glabellar and periocular regions and there is increasing focus on treatment of the lower face. Although there is well-documented evidence for the efficacy of botulinum toxin in the correction of platysmal bands, little work has been done to explore its potential role in rejuvenation of the jawline. To date, effects in this area have been reported as a consequence of platysmal banding treatment and are inconsistent. Hesitancy to explore treatment may be due to evidence of a greater, more durable response to the toxin in the lower facial muscles as well as reports of increased potential migration and subsequent side effects. This paper describes a new technique using BoNTA (Vistabel); Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) to drape the skin of the jawline contour and provide the visual effect of a 'mini lift'. Experience with 130 patients with doses of BoNTA up to 20 U is described. Patient satisfaction is extremely high and the specificity of dosing and technique has led to a low incidence of adverse effects. The 'Nefertiti lift' is a minimally invasive, effective and acceptable alternative for those patients seeking an effective way to push back surgery. 

Despite the positive findings in studies, the Nefertiti lift is not as well received by many. Due to one doctor’s incorrect injection on a muscle, one patient ended up having a crooked smile. While studies may find efficacy in administering Nefertiti Lift, many doctors from a review website seem to oppose the procedure and go for a surgical neck lift instead or use another option which is the Silhouette Instalift.

So far, there is no FDA approval on the use of Botox on the platysmal bands, but if research could tell us anything, that the procedure seems safe and effective. Provided, of course, that physicians and providers take caution in administering the injection.