THE NEFERTITI LIFT

Dr Ivona Igerc discusses non-surgical jawline contouring

DR IVONA IGERC

Dr Ivona Igerc, popularly known as Dr Ivy, is a highly respected aesthetic doctor with a broad range of expertise in aesthetics medicine and facial rejuvenation.

As the founder and president of the Academy of Face Design, she is dedicated to advancing the field through training and education, organising workshops and seminars for aesthetic practitioners in 23 countries worldwide. Dr Igerc’s desire to develop solutions for facial rejuvenation that require little or no downtime is what led her to develop Face Design.

One innovative, non-invasive technique that delivers impressive results with minimal downtime gaining widespread recognition is the Nefertiti Lift, a procedure named after the iconic Egyptian queen renowned for her elegant jawline and swan-like neck. By utilising botulinum toxin, this injectable treatment provides a subtle yet transformative lift to the lower face and neck, making it one of the most popular treatments for many of my patients. This technique is also sometimes referred to as the ‘Swan Lift’ or ‘Royal Lift’.

The Nefertiti Lift targets the platysma muscle, a superficial muscle that runs vertically from the jawline to the collarbone. As we age, the downward pull of this muscle can contribute to the appearance of jowls, neck sagging, and a less defined jawline. The procedure involves injecting small amounts of botulinum toxin into specific points along the platysma and the lower face, which weakens the downward pull of the muscle. This allows the upward-pulling muscles of the face to work unopposed, creating a more lifted and contoured appearance. I like to combine this technique with masseter botox injections to define and contour the jawline area. There are many benefits to treating patients with the Nefertiti Lift versus a more costly and invasive treatment, such as a lower facelift:

Non-surgical alternative: Patients increasingly demand noninvasive procedures with minimal recovery time. The Nefertiti Lift offers an alternative to surgical facelifts, particularly for younger patients or those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

Natural results: Unlike dermal fillers, which add volume, the Nefertiti Lift focuses on redefining natural contours. The result is a subtle lift that enhances the patient’s appearance without looking overdone.

Versatility: The procedure is suitable for both men and women and can be tailored to address specific concerns, such as jowls, undefined jawlines, and neckbands.

Minimal downtime: The treatment typically takes roughly 30 minutes and requires little downtime, making it convenient for those with busy lifestyles and those who want immediate results.

The success of the Nefertiti Lift lies in understanding the anatomy of the lower face and neck. The platysma muscle exerts a downward pull on the jawline, which can counteract the effects of the upward-pulling muscles, such as the masseters and zygomaticus. By injecting botulinum toxin into strategic points along the platysma, this helps reduce its activity, allowing the upward-pulling muscles to dominate.

I typically inject strategically along:

• The lower border of the jawline, to improve definition and reduce jowls

• The vertical neck bands, to minimise their appearance and create a smoother neckline.

This technique requires a precise understanding of the facial and neck musculature to ensure optimal results while avoiding complications such as asymmetry or over-relaxation of the muscles.

PATIENT SELECTION

As with any aesthetic procedure, patient selection is critical to achieving the desired outcome. The Nefertiti Lift is most effective for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face and neck. It is not a substitute for surgical interventions in cases of severe sagging or excessive skin laxity as it will fall short of the patient’s desired outcome.

Ideal candidates include:

• Patients in their 30s to 50s with early signs of ageing

• Those with prominent platysmal bands or mild jowling

• Individuals seeking subtle, natural enhancements without the risks or downtime of surgery.

I do my best to manage patient expectations during the consultation process. While the Nefertiti Lift delivers noticeable results, it does not provide the dramatic effects of a surgical facelift. However, for patients who prioritise a non-invasive approach, suffer from mild to middling skin laxity, and cannot invest in downtime, it’s an excellent non-surgical option.

The Nefertiti Lift is a straightforward procedure, but precision is key to achieving optimal results.

Assessment and mapping: I begin by evaluating the patient’s facial anatomy, noting areas of concern such as jowls, neck bands, or a lack of jawline definition. Injection points are marked along the lower jawline and platysma muscle.

Preparation: The skin is cleansed, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied for patient comfort, although the procedure is typically well-tolerated in most cases.

Injections: Using a fine needle, botulinum toxin is injected into the predetermined points. I ensure symmetrical placement and appropriate dosing to avoid overcorrection or asymmetry using my mico-droplet injection approach and injecting the masseter.

Post-treatment care: Patients are advised to avoid lying down, exercising, or massaging the treated areas for several hours post-procedure to prevent toxin migration. They should also avoid working out and saunas for the next 48 hrs.

My patients typically notice improvements within seven to 10 days, with full results visible after two weeks. The jawline appears more defined, neck bands are less prominent, and the lower face looks rejuvenated and sculpted.

The results of the Nefertiti Lift usually last three to six months, depending on the individual’s metabolism and muscle activity. Regular maintenance treatments are required to sustain the results, offering practitioners an opportunity to build long-term relationships with their patients. Depending on the patient, in some cases, I may suggest combining the Nefertiti Lift with threads to sculpt and define the face, but this is more so for patients suffering from more than average skin laxity.

While the Nefertiti Lift is a very safe injectable treatment, it does come with some potential complications including:

• Bruising or swelling at the injection sites

• Asymmetry or uneven results

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking if the toxin spreads to unintended areas.

This is why it’s essential to have expertise in facial anatomy combined with proper injection techniques, to help avoid these complications.

The Nefertiti Lift represents a perfect blend of art and science in aesthetic medicine. By understanding the intricate interplay of facial muscles and harnessing the power of botulinum toxin, it’s possible to achieve elegant, natural results that enhance your patient’s confidence, without having to opt in for surgery.

By perfecting this technique and educating patients about its benefits, aesthetic practitioners can elevate their practice and solidify their reputation as leaders in non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

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