Botox for neck & platysma.
The platysma is the flat neck muscle that becomes visible as vertical bands over the years and pulls the jawline downwards. Botulinum toxin can weaken that pull. Whether it makes sense for you is decided at the examination.
Botulinum toxin for the neck (platysma): visible neck bands, downward pull on the chin and jawline – effect, process, aftercare, risks and guide price. Essen.
What is treated on the neck.
The platysma stretches from the chest to the lower jaw. Over the years its edges become visible as vertical bands – especially when speaking or tensing. The muscle also pulls the skin at the chin and along the jawline downwards.
Botulinum toxin can dampen this activity: the bands stand out less and the downward pull decreases, so the jawline often looks clearer. This is sometimes called a 'Nefertiti lift'; it is not a lift in the surgical sense.
Limits: excess skin or pronounced fat on the neck is not changed by botulinum toxin. The treatment suits muscle-related changes – which is checked at the examination.
The treatment at a glance.
A question about Neck & platysma? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppWho it is for – and who it is not for.
A good fit if …
- expression lines that remain visible at rest (frown lines, forehead, crow's feet)
- healthy adults from 18 with realistic expectations
- medical reasons such as teeth grinding, heavy sweating or chronic migraine – after diagnosis
Rather not if …
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- certain neuromuscular conditions or an infection in the treatment area
- a wish for volume or smoothing of deep static lines – hyaluronic acid is the better fit
The final assessment is made in the medical examination.
How it works and aftercare.
Before: examination of the neck at rest and when tensed, consultation, information. Avoid blood thinners and alcohol beforehand where medically acceptable.
During: several small injections along the bands and at the lower jaw border. The dose on the neck is deliberately conservative so swallowing and head movement remain unaffected.
After: stay upright for four hours, don't massage the area, no sport or sauna for 24 hours. The effect develops over about two weeks; then a check-up.
Possible risks and contraindications.
Redness, swelling, tenderness or small bruises at the injection sites are possible, as are temporary headaches. Rarely, neighbouring muscles can be temporarily weakened – a drooping eyelid, for example – which resolves as the substance is broken down. The treatment is not suitable with certain neuromuscular conditions, infections in the treatment area, or during pregnancy and breastfeeding, among others. Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine and is only used by a physician after examination and assessment of the indication. This information does not replace the medical consultation required by German law (§ 630e BGB). On the neck, in addition: with too high a dose or unfavourable placement, temporary swallowing or speech difficulties and weakness of the neck muscles are possible; that is why the dose here is kept deliberately low.
Guide prices.
All prices are non-binding guide prices and include the consultation.
Invoicing follows the German scale of fees for physicians (GOÄ), based on findings and effort. Every treatment requires a medical examination, consultation and assessment of suitability.
Frequently asked questions.
What is a 'Nefertiti lift'?
A colloquial name for botulinum toxin treatment of the platysma along the jawline. It is not a lift but a reduction of the muscle's downward pull.
Does it help with a double chin?
No. Fat under the chin is more likely treated with injection lipolysis. Whether muscle, fat or skin is the main factor is shown by the examination.
How long does the effect last?
Usually four to six months, because the muscle is large and the dose is higher than in the face.
Does it affect swallowing?
Not with correct, conservative dosing. Temporary problems are rare and resolve as the substance is broken down.
Sources and further reading.
- NHS: Botox injections – patient information
- DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy
- BfArM – Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices
- European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- § 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)
- AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines
External links open in a new window; their operators are responsible for their content. Medical responsibility for this page: Katayoun Mostaghimi, specialist in general medicine. Last updated: 2026-10-05.
Book a consultation.
Book on DoctolibOr simply call: +49 1520 8367711 · info@vivaderm.de
Or start with a consultation only: consultation appointment (€50, credited against a treatment)