Neck Wrinkles Part 1: Nefertiti Line (Nefertiti Neck Line)

The Nefertiti line

refers to the vertical wrinkles or bands that extend from just below the jawline down the sides of the neck.

This name originates from the long, elegant neckline

of the ancient Egyptian Queen **Nefertiti**.

Recently, it has become more widely known due to a procedure called the ‘Nefertiti Lift’.

These lines are not just simple neck wrinkles;

👉 they are structural changes created by the combined action of the jawline, neck, and muscles.

Anatomical Reasons for the Nefertiti Line

1️⃣ Platysma Muscle

To understand the Nefertiti line,

you must first understand the platysma muscle.

This muscle is

a thin, sheet-like muscle

that covers the entire neck

and the area under the chin.

This muscle is responsible for:

✔ Pulling the mouth downward

✔ Pulling the jawline downward

✔ Contributing to neck tension.

The platysma is a thin muscle extending from the jawline to the collarbone. As we age, its downward pull on the lower face can become stronger.

When this muscle acts strongly, it causes:

A blurred jawline

Neck wrinkles

The Nefertiti line.

2️⃣ Formation of Platysmal Bands

As we age, the platysma muscle

weakens,

separates,

and thickens.

This causes vertical bands to appear.

These are known as platysmal bands.

These bands are vertical lines visible from under the chin down toward the collarbone, and they develop due to factors like aging, genetics, and muscle activity.

3️⃣ Weakening of Jawline Support Structures

There are several structures beneath the chin:

Retaining ligaments

SMAS

Fat layer

Skin

When these structures weaken,

✔ the jawline collapses

✔ and the lower face sags.

This further emphasizes the pulling force of the platysma.

Therefore, the Nefertiti line is often seen as an early sign of jawline aging.

4️⃣ Decreased Skin Elasticity

The skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on the face.

Because of this,

collagen loss

and decreased elasticity appear much faster.

When platysma changes are combined with skin aging,

👉 the Nefertiti line becomes even more prominent.

Since neck skin is thin and prone to losing elasticity, underlying muscle changes can become much more visible.

Symptoms Experienced by Patients

These are common expressions heard during actual consultations:

‘The area under my chin looks bumpy.’

‘I can see lines on the sides of my neck.’

‘My jawline feels like it has collapsed.’

‘It feels like the flesh under my chin is sagging.’

These are especially visible when straining the neck. This is due to the contraction of the platysma.

Nefertiti Line vs. Neck Wrinkles

In other words, 👉 it is not just a simple wrinkle,

but an issue of muscle movement + structure.

Nefertiti Lift

The Nefertiti Lift is a procedure that injects Botox into the jawline and neck

to reduce the downward pulling force of the platysma.

When Botox blocks the muscle signals, it results in:

Softening of neck bands

Lifting of the jawline

Improvement of the lower face.

This procedure is

known as a way to improve the jawline contour without surgery.

Faces Prone to the Nefertiti Line

It is common in the following types:

1️⃣ Thin skin

Neck muscles are more visible.

2️⃣ Beginning of jawline sagging

Early stages of aging.

3️⃣ Strong platysma muscle force

4️⃣ Heavy smartphone usage

(Neck muscle tension).

Treatment Approach

The Nefertiti line often cannot be resolved with just one type of treatment.

1️⃣ Botox

Relaxes the platysma.

2️⃣ Lifting Lasers

HIFU

RF

3️⃣ Collagen Treatments

Skin boosters

Collagen boosters

4️⃣ Fat Management

Submental (under-chin) fat.

Key Takeaways

The Nefertiti line is not just a simple neck wrinkle;

👉 it is a change that occurs as the balance between the jawline and neck collapses.

Therefore, treatments must

✔ address the muscles,

✔ the skin,

✔ and the underlying structure together.

Preview for the Next Article

There is another type of neck wrinkle.

Namely, horizontal neck wrinkles.

These wrinkles have different causes and treatments compared to the Nefertiti line.

I will explain this in detail in the next article.