Dr. Heather Iverson, ND, explains why the Nefertiti Neck Lift, targeted botox to help soften neck bands and define the jawline, is gaining popularity. Plus, what you need to know ahead of booking the Nefertiti Neck Lift at her Vancouver Island (Parksville, Nanaimo and Courtenay) and Langley clinics.
As your cosmetic injector, my priority is always safe, effective care that enhances your natural features. The Nefertiti Lift remains one of my favourite options for patients who want a subtle, elegant refresh to the neck and jawline without the downtime of surgery.
Like many treatments that rise in popularity, it’s been met with both excitement and confusion. You’ll see dramatic before-and-afters and hear stories of “miraculous neck lifts without downtime.” The truth, as usual, lies somewhere in between.
Understanding what the Nefertiti Lift can truly do, and who it’s best suited for, is the key to loving your results. When the right patient chooses it with the right expectations, it can be a beautiful option that boosts confidence. As a Naturopathic Doctor and cosmetic injector serving patients across Nanaimo, Parksville, Langley and the Comox Valley (Courtenay), I want to share what you’re not being told about what this treatment does, who it’s best for, and what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
What is the Nefertiti Lift?
The Nefertiti Lift is appropriately named after the ancient Egyptian queen Nefertiti, celebrated for her graceful neck and sculpted jawline. This non-surgical “neck lift” is a targeted neuromodulator (botox) technique designed to relax specific muscles in the lower face and neck.
It focuses on the platysma, a thin, sheet-like muscle that runs from the jawline down to the collarbone. Over time, this muscle can pull downward, softening the jawline’s definition and exaggerating vertical neck bands.
By precisely injecting small amounts of botox along the lower jaw and into the vertical platysmal bands, we can soften that downward pull, allowing the upper facial muscles to lift naturally. The result is a smoother neck contour and a subtly sharper jawline — without changing your facial expressions.
Related Reading: Why I’m Okay With Botox & Filler As A Naturopathic Doctor
The science you won’t see online
As your cosmetic injector, transparency and education is important in all the treatments I provide. This treatment isn’t magic, it’s muscle science. By relaxing specific neck muscles, the Nefertiti Lift helps refine the jawline and smooth the appearance of neck bands for a softer, natural contour. Here’s how it works:
- botox temporarily relaxes the platysma’s downward tension.
- This creates a gentle lift effect by allowing natural “elevator” muscles to do their job unopposed.
- It does not physically tighten the skin (like surgery would) but improves the appearance of mild laxity, banding, and sagging.
Most treatments take about 15–20 minutes with 7–14 injection points per side using 20–40 total units. It’s often called a lunchtime lift because you can return to work or daily activities immediately afterward.
Related Reading: A Beginners Guide to Botox
Understanding what it can (and can’t) do
The Nefertiti Lift is ideal for patients who want to refresh (not dramatically change) their appearance. It’s perfect for those noticing:
- Early signs of neck banding or mild jowling
- Good skin elasticity (minimal loose or crepey texture)
- A noticeable downward pull from neck muscles
However, it’s not a solution for:
- Moderate to severe skin laxity
- Excess fat beneath the chin or along the jawline
- Deep jowls or heavy tissue descent
For those cases, I often combine treatments. For example, pairing the Nefertiti Lift with dermal filler to restore structure, or using energy-based skin tightening for collagen support.
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What to expect before, during, and after the Nefertiti Lift
Consultation:
When you come in for your consultation, we’ll start with a gentle, detailed assessment of how your facial muscles and skin move together. I may ask you to smile, tighten your neck, or turn your chin slightly so I can see how your platysma muscle interacts with your lower face and jawline.
We’ll also discuss your goals, medical history, and any previous neuromodulator treatments to ensure this approach fits your anatomy and lifestyle.
Treatment:
Tiny doses of botox are injected along the jawline and down the neck bands. The entire process takes 15 to 20 minutes, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Aftercare:
Avoid massaging or lying down flat for four to six hours post-treatment. Mild redness or tightness may occur briefly. Results begin to appear around one week, with full effect visible at two to three weeks.
Results:
You’ll notice a smoother neckline and softer jawline tension. The effect lasts three to four months, but many patients report longer duration, especially with consistent treatments that gradually retrain the platysma to stay relaxed.
The candid truth about Nefertiti Lift complications
The Nefertiti Lift is generally safe and well-tolerated when performed by a skilled, trained injector. Most side effects are mild and temporary — such as small bruises, slight redness, a feeling of neck “lightness,” or brief tenderness that fades within days.
A 2019 clinical review found that over 95% of reported side effects were mild and self-resolving, with no serious long-term complications documented.
Rare but possible, usually short-lived effects may include:
- Slight asymmetry of the mouth
- Mild voice weakness
- Difficulty swallowing (rare and short-lived)
Even with meticulous technique, complications can occur — even in the hands of experienced injectors. This is why choosing a licensed, well-trained provider is essential. Safe injecting goes beyond precision; it means having a deep understanding of anatomy, using conservative doses, and being prepared to recognize and manage any issue quickly and calmly.
In Canada, botulinum toxin is regulated by Health Canada and may only be administered by trained medical professionals. At my clinics in Nanaimo, Parksville, and Langley, I use only Health Canada–approved products, follow evidence-based safety protocols, and continually update my training to ensure every treatment is performed with both confidence and care.
Longevity and maintenance
Like all neuromodulators, the Nefertiti Lift’s results are temporary, but consistency enhances results. Patients who maintain regular treatments every three to four months often find that the platysma muscle gradually weakens, allowing smoother, longer-lasting results with lower doses over time. It’s similar to training your facial muscles. Gentle, consistent work builds subtle yet cumulative benefits.
How much does a Nefertiti Lift cost?
Pricing depends on individual muscle strength and the number of units required. A typical Nefertiti Lift uses between 20 and 40 units, averaging $10 per unit, for a total cost of approximately $200–$400.
During your consultation, we’ll provide an individualized quote and treatment plan. You’ll never be pressured to proceed on the spot. My goal is for every patient to feel fully informed and confident before committing.
For a full breakdown of neuromodulator and filler pricing in Parksville, Nanaimo, and Langley, click here.
Before you book a Nefertiti Lift, know this
The Nefertiti Lift isn’t about chasing perfection. For the right candidate, the Nefertiti Lift is a quick, low-downtime way to refresh the jawline-neck complex with high satisfaction and a very low rate of significant complications in skilled hands. It’s not surgery—and it isn’t trying to be. It’s a gentle rebalancing of the muscles that lightens and clarifies your natural contours for a few months at a time.
My philosophy is rooted in transparency, safety, and subtle artistry. I believe in helping patients understand every option before they choose—and in using evidence-based techniques that support long-term, natural-looking rejuvenation.
If you’re curious about the Nefertiti Lift in Nanaimo, Parksville, Langley and the Comox Valley (Courtenay), I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll determine if this non-surgical neck lift is right for you, and craft a plan that aligns with your anatomy, goals, and comfort level.
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Nefertiti Lift BC: frequently asked questions and misconceptions
“It tightens the skin, right?”
“Will it make my smile or swallow feel weird?”
“Is it painful?”
“What if I don’t like the result?”
Vancouver Island Nefertiti Lift | Nanaimo, Parksville, Courtenay | Langley Nefertiti Lift
Curious whether a Nefertiti Lift could help refine your jawline or smooth early neck lines? Let’s chat in clinic. I’ll walk you through what’s possible (and what’s not) so you can make an informed, confident choice.
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