Nefertiti Neck Lift: Recovery & Aftercare

The Nefertiti Neck Lift is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for redefining the jawline and lifting a sagging or crepey neck — and one of its most compelling advantages is the minimal recovery involved.

Unlike surgical neck lifts, the Nefertiti Lift uses precisely placed botulinum toxin injections along the lower jawline and into the platysmal bands of the neck. There are no incisions, no general anaesthetic, and no hospital stay. Most patients leave the clinic and carry on with their day.

That said, how you care for yourself in the hours and days following treatment has a direct impact on both your comfort and your results. This guide covers everything you need to know about Nefertiti Neck Lift aftercare — from the first 24 hours through to when your full results become visible.

Because the treatment involves a series of fine-needle injections, the side effects are mild and short-lived for most patients.

Common, Expected Effects

• Mild redness or pinkness at the injection sites
• Minor swelling around the jawline and neck
• Tenderness or slight sensitivity to touch
• Small raised marks at injection points (these resolve within hours)
• A feeling of mild tightness in the neck as the toxin begins to work

Less Common Effects

• Light bruising at one or more injection points, lasting 3–7 days
• Temporary heaviness or unfamiliar sensation in the neck or lower face
• Mild headache in the first few hours

These effects are entirely normal and resolve without intervention. They are not a sign that anything has gone wrong.

Immediately After Treatment

You may notice small raised marks or slight redness at the injection sites — this is normal and settles quickly, often within a couple of hours. The neck and jawline area may feel mildly tender to the touch. There is no immediate visible change to the contour of the neck at this stage; the botulinum toxin needs time to act on the underlying platysma muscle.

What to do: Remain upright for at least 4 hours following treatment. Avoid touching, pressing, or rubbing the treated area. You can go about your normal day, but avoid the gym and any strenuous activity.

Days 1–3: Any Bruising Appears; Treatment Begins to Work

If bruising is going to occur, it typically shows during this window — most often as small, localised marks at the injection points. This is more likely if you take blood-thinning supplements such as fish oil or aspirin. Any bruising is usually light and easily covered with make-up from day 2 onwards.

You may begin to notice the earliest signs of the treatment taking effect: a subtle softening of the neck bands and a slightly lifted feeling along the jawline.

What to do: Apply a cold compress (not directly on the skin — wrap in a cloth) for short intervals if you experience any swelling or discomfort in the first 24 hours. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, very hot showers, or any activity that significantly raises your body temperature. Do not consume alcohol during the first 48 hours.

Days 4–7: Results Begin to Emerge

As the botulinum toxin continues to relax the platysma muscle, the visual effect of the Nefertiti Lift becomes increasingly apparent. The downward pull on the jawline reduces, the jawline appears more defined, and the neck begins to look smoother and more contoured.

Any bruising from the early days will be fading to yellow-green tones and can be covered effectively with make-up.

What to do: Resume normal skincare from around day 3, avoiding any high-pressure facial massage or treatment over the jawline and neck. You may return to light exercise at this stage — but continue to avoid hot yoga, saunas, or anything involving sustained heat exposure.

Days 10–14: Full Results Visible

By the end of the second week, the full effect of the treatment is typically visible. The platysmal bands — those vertical cords that can become prominent in the neck with age — are visibly relaxed. The jawline appears sharper and more defined. The overall impression is a cleaner, lifted profile.

This is the point at which most patients feel the transformation is truly apparent.

Months 3–6: Maintaining Your Results

Botulinum toxin treatments are not permanent, and the Nefertiti Lift is no exception. Results typically last between 3 and 6 months depending on individual metabolism, the dose used, and the degree of muscle activity in the treatment area. Patients who maintain regular appointments tend to see more sustained and progressive improvement over time, as the platysma muscle gradually weakens with repeated treatment.

Adhering to the correct aftercare is straightforward but important. The following guidelines apply to the first 24–48 hours after your treatment.

Do’s

• Remain upright for at least 4 hours after treatment — no lying down, bending forward, or exercising
• Use cold compresses gently in the first 24 hours to ease any mild swelling
• Resume normal skincare from day 2–3, using gentle, hydrating products
• Apply make-up from the following day if needed to cover any bruising
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support skin health
• Protect the skin from UV exposure — wear SPF 30 or higher daily

Don’ts

• Do not touch, rub, or massage the treated area for at least 24 hours — this risks dispersing the toxin
• Avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths, saunas, or steam rooms for 24–48 hours
• Do not consume alcohol for at least 48 hours after treatment
• Avoid high-pressure facial treatments — massages, ultrasound facials, or aggressive skincare procedures — for 2 weeks
• Do not sleep face-down on the night of treatment

Swelling after the Nefertiti Lift is typically very mild — most patients describe it as barely noticeable. Unlike filler treatments, botulinum toxin does not introduce volume into the tissue, so pronounced swelling is uncommon. Any swelling that does occur generally settles within 24–48 hours.

Bruising occurs in a minority of patients and tends to be minor when it does appear. It most commonly develops at one or two injection points and fades within a week. Arnica gel applied topically from day 2 can help speed this process.

There is no scarring with the Nefertiti Lift — the needles used are extremely fine, and the tiny marks left at injection points disappear within hours.

Initial changes become noticeable from around days 3–5 as the botulinum toxin begins to take effect. The full result — a lifted, more defined jawline and smoother neck profile — is typically visible at the 10–14 day mark.

Results continue to look natural and refined throughout their duration. Many patients find that results are at their most aesthetically pleasing around 3–4 weeks post-treatment, once any initial over-correction has settled into the final contour.

The treatment works by relaxing the platysma — the broad muscle that runs from the lower face down into the chest. Over time, this muscle exerts a downward pull on the jawline and lower face, contributing to jowling, loss of definition, and prominent neck bands.

To maximise and prolong your results:

• Book your follow-up treatment before results fully wear off — treating at the 3–4 month mark rather than waiting until all effect has gone tends to give better cumulative outcomes
• Consider complementary treatments — the Nefertiti Lift pairs extremely well with skin-tightening procedures such as Endolift® or profhilo injections, which address skin laxity and quality rather than muscle activity
• Maintain a consistent skincare routine with SPF, antioxidants, and retinoids to support skin quality in the long term
• Avoid significant weight fluctuation, which can alter facial volume and affect the appearance of the jawline

The Nefertiti Lift is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, contact Dr Hass Clinic promptly if you experience:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (extremely rare but requires immediate attention)
• Asymmetry of the smile or lower face that does not resolve within 2 weeks
• Spreading redness, increasing pain, or any sign of infection at the injection sites
• Any effect or symptom that feels unexpected or concerning

All patients at Dr Hass Clinic have direct access to aftercare support and a follow-up appointment with Dr Hasaneen to review their results.

How long does recovery take after a Nefertiti Lift?

Recovery is minimal. Most patients return to desk-based work and normal daily activities the same day or the following morning. Any redness or injection marks typically settle within a few hours. If bruising occurs, it usually fades within 3–7 days.

When do Nefertiti Lift results appear?

The treatment begins to take effect from around days 3–5. Full results are visible at 10–14 days, with the final outcome at its most defined around 3–4 weeks post-treatment.

How long do Nefertiti Lift results last?

Results typically last between 3 and 6 months. Patients who maintain regular appointments tend to see more prolonged and progressive improvement as the platysma muscle is consistently treated over time.

Can I wear make-up after a Nefertiti Lift?

It is best to avoid applying make-up directly over the injection sites on the day of treatment. From the following day onwards, you can apply make-up as normal, including over any bruising.

Can I exercise after a Nefertiti Lift?

Light activity is fine from the day after treatment. Strenuous exercise, hot yoga, or activities that significantly raise your body temperature should be avoided for at least 24–48 hours following the procedure.

Will a Nefertiti Lift help with loose or crepey skin on the neck?

The Nefertiti Lift addresses muscle-related concerns — specifically the downward pull of the platysma and the presence of neck bands. For patients with significant skin laxity or crepey texture, it is often combined with skin-tightening treatments such as Endolift® or Profhilo for a more comprehensive result. Dr Hasaneen will advise on the most appropriate combination during your consultation.

Is the Nefertiti Lift painful?

The procedure involves a series of small injections using fine needles. Most patients describe the sensation as mild discomfort rather than pain. Topical numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment if preferred.