is there anything Botox can’t do?

It’s FDA-approved to smooth wrinkles and lines, stop excessive underarm sweating and prevent migraines. And its off-label uses are plentiful, too. Chances are, you’ve caught a viral TikTok video or two singing the praises of “TrapTox” or “Barbie Botox”. The buzzy treatment involves injecting Botox, Xeomin or any neurotoxin into the trapezius (trap) muscles to create a longer, leaner neck and better-defined shoulders.

Injecting these large muscles (the muscle group runs from the base of the neck across the shoulders and down the upper part of the back) with Botox helps them to relax and, in turn, improve posture, neck and shoulder stiffness, and pain, and create more of a contoured and elongated neck.

Many people hold tension in the trapezius muscles, which causes shoulder pain and stiffness. Injecting the large trapezius muscle group with Botox, or any other neuromodulator, releases tension in the area and recurring tension headaches and tech neck.

From an aesthetic standpoint, TrapTox can create an elongated neck and leaner-looking shoulders. Botox relaxes and partially inactivates the injected muscles, causing them to lose size and volume. Injecting the trap muscles with Botox can also alleviate excessive muscle contraction, releasing them so that the front and back of the upper body are more balanced to improve posture. Botox has been clinically proven with a statistically significant difference in thicknesses to reduce trapezius hypertrophy.

Does Trapezius Botox Hurt?

Injecting Botox into the trap muscles is comparable in sensation to injecting Botox into the face or other areas of the body. When administered by a reputable and skilled practitioner, any discomfort experienced during the procedure is minimized. This ensures a smoother and more comfortable experience for clients seeking to alleviate tension or discomfort in the trapezius muscles.

You may feel a slight prick with each injection as the needle goes through the skin. However, there is minimal discomfort or pain during and after the treatment. We can use a numbing cream beforehand to enhance comfort.

How Should You Prepare for Trapezius Botox:

Preparing for trapezius Botox is similar to other neurotoxin treatments. There are a few tips to follow beforehand for better results. First, try to relax the muscles in the area to lessen stress and tension. Avoid exercising for at least two hours before your appointment and don't work out for the rest of the day.

Additionally, it's advisable to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet leading up to the appointment. Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications or supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E, as these can increase the risk of bruising at the injection sites. Ensure that you communicate any medical conditions or medications you are currently taking with your provider to ensure the most personalized and safe treatment plan. Following these guidelines can enhance the effectiveness of your TrapTox treatment, leading to optimal results.

What Can You Expect with Your Trapezius Botox Treatment:

Even though different types of neuromodulators are available at our office, including Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Xeomin one specific brand doesn’t necessarily work better for treating the trapezius muscles than the another, so stick with the one you feel most comfortable with.

Trapezius Botox is a quick and easy treatment that takes 10 to 20 minutes. On average, 50 units of Botox are injected into the left and right trapezius muscles, but some people need more or less depending on their muscles’ size. Every person will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have a curated treatment approach.

First, your provider will mark the areas to inject along the shoulder. Then, quickly inject the Botox into each area. The nice thing about TrapTox is that there’s literally no downtime, but results take time to develop. Results can usually be seen two to three days after the injections and fully kick in at two weeks.

Once the Botox starts to weaken the muscle, you’ll feel less tightness and pain in the shoulders, neck, and back and have a greater range of motion.

On average, the results last four months, although some may notice the effects lasting an extra month or so.

Some Potential Side Effects:

Trapezius Botox is a simple treatment with rare side effects similar to those of Botox for wrinkles. After the injection, you may have some redness, mild swelling, and bruising.

So, What is the Basic Takeaway?

Trapezius Botox, often referred to as Trap Tox is gaining notable popularity for its effectiveness in relieving tension pain while also shaping and enhancing the appearance of the neck and shoulders.

Similar to facial Botox treatments, the results of Trap Tox develop gradually over a period of days to weeks, providing a subtle yet impactful transformation.