Is the Nefertiti Neck Lift Safe?

If you’re considering a Nefertiti neck lift, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Is the Nefertiti neck lift safe?” or even “Is the Nefertiti neck lift dangerous?” These are completely natural questions when it comes to any aesthetic treatment.

At Dr Hass Clinic, we understand that trust and transparency matter. Safety and clinical precision are at the heart of everything we do.

In this article, we will walk you through what the Nefertiti lift actually is, what the clinical evidence says, the real side effects you should know about, and how we ensure your treatment is as safe as it is effective.

The Nefertiti neck lift is a minimally invasive technique using botulinum toxin type A (such as Botox® or Dysport®) injected along the platysmal bands—the vertical neck muscles—and along the lower jawline.

By relaxing these muscles, the treatment reduces the downward pull on your jawline, creating a more defined, lifted appearance. It’s named after Queen Nefertiti for her iconic, elegant neck. The entire procedure takes just 15–20 minutes, requires no downtime, and results typically last 4–6 months.

The procedure involves precise injections of botulinum toxin into your targeted neck and jawline muscles. You’ll start to see results within 3–7 days, with full effects appearing at around 2 weeks.

What makes this treatment safe is attention to three critical details:

• Dose cap at 50 units total for the neck region—exceeding this significantly increases the risk of complications like neck weakness and swallowing difficulties
• Avoiding the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is crucial for swallowing
• Precise injection depth into platysma bands only, by an experienced clinician with thorough knowledge of neck anatomy

You deserve to know that this treatment isn’t just a trend—it’s backed by real clinical research.

Original Study: 130 Patients

Dr Phillip Levy’s pioneering study of 130 patients found extremely high patient satisfaction and a low incidence of adverse effects thanks to specific dosing and technique. The study concluded that the Nefertiti lift is a “minimally invasive, effective and acceptable alternative” to surgery. Only 1.5% experienced mild swallowing difficulties and 1.5% had smile asymmetry—both technique-dependent and completely temporary.

Read the full study: The ‘Nefertiti lift’: a new technique for specific re-contouring of the jawline

2017 Study: 96.6% Patient Satisfaction

A prospective study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery treated 30 patients and found statistically significant improvement in platysmal bands at rest and with tension. 93.3% of investigators and patients rated results as improved, with 96.6% patient satisfaction. The treatment was particularly effective in younger patients with retained skin elasticity.

Read the full study: Botulinum Toxin for Neck Rejuvenation: Assessing Efficacy and Safety

Common, Mild Side Effects

Most side effects are minor and self-limiting, resolving within days. Bruising is the most common, occurring in about 10–15% of patients and typically clearing up within a few days to 2 weeks. Swelling at injection sites is common but usually subsides within 24–48 hours. You might also experience mild injection site pain, headache, or nausea, all resolving within 1–2 days. In rare cases, mild neck weakness may occur and typically resolves within approximately 2 weeks.

Rare but Serious Risks

Improper technique or excessive dosing can lead to more serious complications. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) occurs when toxin diffuses into swallowing muscles—this is prevented by avoiding SCM injections and capping the dose at 50 units. Dysphonia (voice changes) can occur if laryngeal muscles are affected, which is why precise anatomical placement is critical.

The good news? In Dr Levy’s original series of 130 patients, serious complications were exceptionally rare, with only 1.5% experiencing mild, temporary swallowing difficulties.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive jawline and neck contouring without surgical risks
• No general anaesthesia required
• Quick recovery: resume normal activities within 24–48 hours
• Natural-looking results: gradual, subtle lifting
• Temporary: effects wear off if you choose to stop
• High patient satisfaction: 96.6% in clinical studies

Potential Risks

• Temporary bruising, swelling, or discomfort
• Rare mild dysphagia (approximately 1.5%)
• Less effective for significant skin laxity compared to surgical options

Most risks are minimised when treatments are performed by experienced practitioners with thorough anatomical knowledge.

This treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid the Nefertiti lift if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to botulinum toxin or any component of the formulation
• Active infection at the injection site
• Neuromuscular disorders such as myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Excessive neck muscle weakness or atrophy
• Significant skin laxity (you’d benefit more from a surgical lift)

At Dr Hass Clinic, safety isn’t an afterthought—it’s integrated into every stage of your Nefertiti lift journey:

• Doctor-led treatments: All procedures performed by Dr Hasaneen Al Janabi, GMC-registered and Royal College of Surgeons member
• Certified products: Only legitimate, UK-approved botulinum toxin is used
• Individualised plans: Tailored to your anatomy, muscle activity, and aesthetic goals
• Strict clinical protocols: Precise dosing (≤50 units), anatomical precision, and sterile technique ensure minimal risk
• Proven expertise: Trusted by over 10,000 patients across London

Our patients often ask:

Is the Nefertiti neck lift dangerous?
No. When performed by a qualified clinician using appropriate doses, it is safe with a low risk profile. Serious complications like dysphagia are rare (less than 2%) and usually technique-dependent.

What are the Nefertiti neck lift side effects?
Most common: bruising (10–15%), swelling, and mild injection site pain. Rare: mild swallowing difficulties (1.5%).

How long do results last?
Typically 3–4 months, though some patients see results last up to 6 months depending on metabolism.

Is the Nefertiti lift right for me?
Ideal candidates are younger patients with visible platysmal bands, retained skin elasticity, hyperactive neck muscles, and a desire for jawline definition.

Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes. The Nefertiti lift is often combined with dermal fillers or polynucleotides for enhanced neck rejuvenation.

The Nefertiti neck lift is a clinically supported, minimally invasive option for jawline definition and neck rejuvenation. Multiple studies confirm its safety and efficacy when performed by trained practitioners using appropriate doses.

Most Nefertiti neck lift side effects are mild and temporary. Serious complications are rare and typically linked to improper technique or excessive dosing. At Dr Hass Clinic, we prioritise patient safety, using capped doses (≤50 units) and precise anatomical placement to minimise risks.

Book a consultation at Dr Hass Clinic to find out if the Nefertiti neck lift is right for you and receive personalised guidance from an expert aesthetic physician.