Platysmal Bands/Nefertiti Lift
Platysmal bands, the Nefertiti lift, and BotoxⓇ have become in interconnected topics in the realm of cosmetic dermatology and facial aesthetics. Understanding the intricate relationship between these elements sheds light on how they collectively contribute to facial rejuvenation and sculpting.
The platysma is a thin, broad muscle that extends from the chest and shoulders to the lower face and neck. As individuals age, the platysma can undergo changes that manifest as vertical bands or cords, commonly referred to as platysmal bands. These bands contribute to visible signs of ageing in the neck, creating a less defined and sagging appearance.
One groundbreaking approach to addressing platysmal bands is the Nefertiti lift. Named after the Egyptian queen renowned for her elongated neck, this technique focuses on enhancing the jawline and neck contour by utilising neuromodulators such as Botox.
Platysmal bands and Botox
The Nefertiti lift primarily targets the platysma muscle to counteract the effects of ageing. Botox, a purified form of botulinum toxin, is strategically injected into specific points along the jawline and neck to relax the platysma and smooth out the visible bands. By inhibiting the muscle’s contractions, Botox helps create a more sculpted and youthful appearance in the lower face and neck region.
Skin thinning and laxity, loss of volume and gravity are all contributory factors to the ageing of the neck. The platysma muscle is a depressor complex constantly pulling downwards and this can lead to the development of horizontal ‘necklace lines’.
The treatment
As with any aesthetic or medical procedure, it is absolutely essential that a full and comprehensive consultation is performed prior to any treatment. The consultation will always include your past medical and surgical history, lifestyle, allergies and medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding is an absolute contraindication to Botox.
Your treatment will then be planned and performed. Botox is an injectable and delivered with a very small needle to the identified areas. Discomfort is minimal and the actual treatment generally takes less than 15 minutes to perform. There is very little ‘down-time’ and you can return to your day immediately after your appointment.
Risks
No severe complications after the cosmetic use of Botox have been reported in the literature. There may be some bruising and slight swelling after the treatment. Botox has been regulated for a long time and is a very safe treatment. The best way to minimise risk if you are considering Botox is to have the treatment done by a qualified practitioner.
Botox in the UK
In the UK, Botox is a prescription only medicine, which means that it must be prescribed and given to a patient by a qualified prescriber. If you are not having the treatment done by a qualified prescriber, they should still refer you to a medical professional (the person who prescribes the Botox for them) to check that you are fit for the treatment. By law, the person prescribing the Botox should be a doctor, nurse, dentist or prescribing pharmacist. Guidelines from the General Medical Council (GMC) state that they should meet you face to face and must be present at the client consultation. When the prescriber is happy, you can then be treated.
The prescriber also has responsibility for the outcome of the treatment. Many doctors and nurses are unlikely to want to take responsibility for a non-medical person’s injecting work, so be sure to check that you are happy with the person you have chosen for your Botox treatments.
Botox is a prescribed drug and as discussed must, by law be prescribed by a qualified prescriber. An experienced injector and prescriber will always ensure that a thorough consultation is performed and should be happy to answer any questions you may have. Consider asking the following;
- What is your level of experience and qualifications?
- What is the name or brand of product you are using?
- Are there any risks or side effects I could experience?
- What will happen if anything goes wrong?
- What insurance cover do you have for Botox treatment?
Please see my blog on The Importance of Finding the Right Practitioner.
Pricing
Here at Radiant, we use only Botox®
£250 per treatment