Efficacy of the Nefertiti Lift for Jawline Contour: A Split-Face Study

To determine whether the Nefertiti lift produces a measurable improvement in jawline contour and jowl severity compared with untreated control, and to assess its effect on platysmal banding and patient-reported outcomes.

This prospective, single-center, split-face study included 20 adult female participants with early lower face and neck aging. One side was randomized to receive onabotulinumtoxinA using the Nefertiti technique, with the contralateral side serving as control. Standardized photographs were obtained at baseline and 2-week follow-up. Two blinded facial plastic surgeons graded jowl contour and platysmal banding using validated scales. Patient-reported outcomes included global esthetic improvement, willingness to pursue or recommend the procedure for jawline contouring.

Platysmal banding improved significantly on the treated side in both evaluators (p = 0.0309 and p = 0.0052), while no significant difference was observed for jowl or jawline contour. Although 53.3% reported improvement, only 31.3% would repeat or recommend the procedure for jawline contouring. Two participants (10%) had a transient asymmetric smile that resolved with balancing injection.

The Nefertiti lift reliably improves platysmal banding but does not provide meaningful short-term jawline contour improvement.