Treatment options
and downtime.
Neurotoxin
Downtime: No downtime (mild redness
or pinpoint swelling at injection site,
resolves within hours)
injectable treatments
Neck Bands
Prominent vertical neck bands develop as the platysma muscle loses elasticity and its fibers become increasingly visible beneath the skin — a feature that ages the neck profile significantly and contributes to the downward pull that affects lower facial contour as well. Dr. Martin injects neurotoxin directly into the platysmal cords to relax the vertical muscle fibers responsible for their prominence.
The effect softens the bands, reduces the downward drag on the lower face, and modestly improves jawline definition — all without incisions or recovery time. Results appear within two to three weeks and typically hold three to four months. This treatment works best for patients with early to moderate banding and reasonable skin quality in the neck area. For patients whose primary concern is loose, crepey neck skin rather than visible cords, the muscular treatment alone won't be sufficient — and Dr. Martin says so directly, including when a surgical consultation would serve the patient better.
What causes neck bands to appear?
Neck bands — also called platysmal cords — develop as the platysma muscle in the neck loses elasticity and its vertical fibers become more prominent beneath the skin. The platysma is a broad, flat muscle that runs from the chest and shoulders up to the lower face, and it contributes to lower facial support as well as neck contour. As it weakens and the overlying skin loses collagen support, the individual muscle fibers can become visible as distinct vertical cords — particularly when you tense the neck or turn your head. At our practice, we evaluate neck banding alongside lower facial descent because the two are structurally connected.
What is the Nefertiti lift, and how does it work?
The Nefertiti lift is a neurotoxin treatment named after the Egyptian queen known for her long, defined neck. It involves placing neurotoxin along the platysmal bands to relax the vertical fibers, softening their prominence and reducing the downward pull the platysma exerts on the lower face and jawline. The result is a modest improvement in neck cord visibility and a subtle sharpening of the jawline as the muscle's downward drag is reduced. At our practice, we use the Nefertiti lift as part of a broader lower face and neck assessment — combining it where appropriate with chin or jawline filler for a more comprehensive result.
Who is a good candidate for this treatment?
Patients with early to moderate platysmal banding who have reasonable skin quality in the neck region tend to see the best results. Neurotoxin addresses the muscular component of neck aging, but it can't correct significant skin laxity — if the primary concern is loose, crepey neck skin rather than prominent cords, a different approach or surgical consultation may be more appropriate. At our practice, we give you a candid assessment of what neurotoxin alone can achieve versus what a more comprehensive approach might involve, including when a referral to a surgical colleague would serve you better.
How long do results last, and is there any downtime?
There is no downtime with platysmal neurotoxin — patients typically return to their normal routine immediately after treatment. Mild redness or pinpoint marks at injection sites resolve within hours. Results become visible within two to three weeks and typically last three to four months, at which point the treatment can be repeated to maintain the effect. At our practice, we often pair this with maintenance treatments for the lower face — masseter, jawline, or filler — to keep the overall result cohesive as part of an ongoing plan.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.
