Platysma.
The flat neck muscle whose edges become visible as vertical bands. Botulinum toxin there ('Nefertiti lift') dampens the downward pull.
The platysma in the lexicon: anatomy of the neck muscle, how neck bands form, effect on the jawline, botulinum toxin treatment and its limits.
A closer look.
The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle running from the upper chest over the neck to the lower jaw and the corners of the mouth. It hardly contributes to chewing but is involved in expression and neck movement. With age its edges lose support and stand out as vertical bands – especially when speaking and tensing.
In addition the platysma pulls chin and jawline downwards, accentuating jowls and a blurred transition to the neck. Botulinum toxin along the bands and at the lower jaw border weakens this pull; colloquially 'Nefertiti lift', because the jawline can look more defined.
Limits: excess skin or fat on the neck is not changed – other procedures are needed there. The dose is deliberately conservative so swallowing and speech are not affected. The effect lasts four to six months.
This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).
At a glance.
A question about Platysma? Send us a short WhatsApp message – we usually reply the same working day.
Ask via WhatsAppFrequently asked questions.
Is it a lift?
No. The muscle's downward pull is dampened; skin is not tightened or removed.
Why 'off-label'?
There is no aesthetic licence for the neck; the use is permitted for physicians but requires specific consent.
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.
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