Neck Botox Review: Benefits, Cost, and More.

While the conversation around aesthetic procedures continuously evolves, one ethos remains true—opting for injectables is a personal decision. You never need treatments to look your best, but if there are specific concerns you’d like to tweak, there is a menu of options at your fingertips. Chances are, if you have ever started to explore anti-aging products, you have come across Botox. The mainstream injectable has become an industry standard for its ability to ease fine lines and wrinkles. While most commonly used on the face, it has since advanced to other injection points.

As someone who recently turned 40, I have been paying closer attention to my neck. I am very familiar with the benefits of Botox as I’ve used the treatment regularly over the past six years, but only on my face. As I started to notice more lines and movement towards my nape, I was interested in exploring neck Botox. Naturally, I turned to a trusted professional.

Below, follow my experience trying neck Botox for the first time at the hands of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer. I share everything you need to know about the treatment, from what to expect, the cost, aftercare, and more.

What is Neck Botox?

Neck Botox refers to the process of injecting Botox into the neck area to help smooth the appearance of vertical neck bands. Botox is an injectable treatment that’s commonly used to help smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Operating as a neurotoxin, Botox essentially blocks the natural nerve signals to the muscles, preventing current wrinkles from deepening and fine lines from forming.

When comparing neck Botox to injections in the face, there is little difference. The only change is the area being treated; everything else remains the same in terms of what to expect and the overall injection process.

The Benefits

As the name suggests, people often opt for this treatment to target the anti-aging benefits of Botox in the neck region. More specifically, Dr. Shafer names three main benefits of neck Botox below.

• Reduce vertical neck bands caused by the platysma muscle.
• Subtly lift the lower face.
• Define the jawline for a more youthful appearance.

This piqued my interest, as I recently turned 40 and have been thinking a lot more about the state of my neck. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not obsessing over aging or feel that my neck needs some drastic change, but the idea of relaxing the muscles sounded intriguing. Plus, I am certainly not someone to turn down a little lift, which came as an added benefit.

Who is Neck Botox For? Anyone Can Benefit

Like any part of your body, the skin on your neck can start to develop fine lines and wrinkles from age and everyday tasks. “Your vertical neck bands can become animated during simple movements like clenching your teeth, or even pronouncing the letter ‘E,” explains Dr. Shafer. If you’re someone who feels your vertical neck bands are pronounced, then receiving Botox injections in the neck area can significantly minimize and reduce their appearance.

I, for one, spend too much time on my phone. Doom scrolling has become a habit I’d like to quit for good, but the reality is that between work and social commitments, I’m looking at a screen more often than not. Over the years, I have noticed some horizontal lines forming in the center of my neck, which I suspect are the result of spending too much time watching TikTok videos. However, vertical neck bands were something that hadn’t crossed my mind, and I found the overall approach intriguing.

How to Prepare

Little to no physical preparation is required for neck Botox, as long as you’ve discussed it with your dermatologist and feel it’s the proper treatment for you. “Botox Cosmetic is a safe, fast, and predictable in-office treatment,” says Dr. Shafer. “There is no preparation needed for patients before the treatment.” I’ve been getting Botox for six years, so there was nothing that I was concerned about when it came to putting neck Botox to the test.

What to Expect

Before: The Consultation

Before you make an appointment, it is important to have a consultation with a trusted provider. Having a realistic conversation about expectations and results will help you make an accurate game plan. “The injector should first evaluate the patient to make sure they are a good candidate,” says Dr. Shafer. “The important thing to remember is that one has to differentiate between horizontal neck creases, which Botox does not treat, from the dynamic vertical neck bands, which Botox does treat.” I was glad to learn the difference between vertical neck bands and horizontal neck creases, as I had assumed Botox would treat both simultaneously.

During: The Treatment

As we earlier established, the primary focus of neck Botox is the vertical bands. During the treatment, a series of small injections is administered along the muscle band. “Neck Botox is injected in four vertical bands of the neck, which extend from the jawline to the clavicle. Small injections are also made under the jawline to help lift the jowls,” explains Dr. Shafer. The injection in the jowls is what provides a slight lift to sagging skin.

When Dr. Shafer injected me, I barely felt anything, and it was over so quickly. There was no pain or even a pricking sensation from the needle, which surprised me. It was over in under five minutes, and I was able to go about my day with zero interference from treatment.

Botox takes 3-5 days to start working and lasts for 3-5 months. Anyone who has previously had “Botox in other areas will find the experience very similar, easy, safe, predictable, and satisfying,” says Dr. Shafer. When I’ve received Botox in the past, it usually takes 7-10 days for it to take effect. In this case, I noticed a change in my vertical neck bands within one week of my injection appointment.

Below you can see my before and after photos. The first was taken before my injections, and the latter at my two-week follow-up appointment.

Potential Side Effects

Even with a straightforward treatment, side effects can happen. Dr. Shafter emphasized the importance of making sure you are choosing a trusted expert. “If the Botox is injected too deeply, a patient can experience weakness in their posture muscle, or swallowing muscles,” he warns. “That is why patients need to see a qualified injector.”

I experienced slight redness on my neck after the treatment, and a tiny bruise a few days later. Other than that, there were no noticeable side effects. The redness went down within one hour after receiving the injections.

Aftercare

The good news? Aftercare is not complicated after receiving Botox for the neck. “There is nothing special for recovery or aftercare,” says Dr. Shafer. “Patients sometimes don’t realize it takes 3-5 days to start working, so they are pleasantly surprised after several days at how natural and effective the treatments can be.”

I went to see Dr. Shafer two weeks post-injection for a follow-up to ensure I was pleased with the results. This is standard protocol for anyone who is receiving injectables. If your injector deems it necessary, they can add a few more units once the treatment has settled, if needed. As I mentioned above, it took about seven days for me to see the initial results.

The Cost

Unlike booking other aesthetic treatments, there is no set price for neck Botox. The total cost will depend on location, the injector, and how many units of Botox are required for a specific patient. “Price varies from city to city and injector to injector. It’s essential to make sure you are being injected with genuine Botox Cosmetic and realize that you are not only paying for the actual Botox but also the experience of the injector as well,” adds Dr. Shafer.

To receive treatment in Dr. Shafer’s clinic, Botox is priced per unit. Neck Botox typically requires 30-50 units, depending on the client, and costs $27 per unit. I got 48 units in my neck, so the total cost of my treatment was $1,296.

How Long Does Neck Botox Last?

“Typically, Botox lasts from three to five months,” explains Dr. Shafer, “It’s essential to get the following treatment before the previous treatment wears off, so most people schedule their appointments every four months.” Each person metabolizes Botox differently, and your injector will help keep a record of your specific timeline so you know when to go back for treatment.

The Final Takeaway

Overall, I enjoyed getting Botox in my neck. I specifically liked learning about the difference between my vertical neck bands and the horizontal lines that form from consistent phone usage. My experience was pleasant, and I experienced no discomfort during or after my treatment. I’ve noticed the difference in my vertical neck bands and will continue to treat this area to maintain smoothness and a more relaxed appearance. With the right injector and plan, Botox can benefit anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their neck.