In the realm of cosmetic and medical procedures, Botox has gained significant prominence for its ability to address a multitude of concerns – from smoothing lines and wrinkles to treating excessive sweating. One way that we can use Botox is treating the trapezius muscle, a prominent muscle in the upper back and neck region. You may have heard this referred to as ‘Barbie Botox’ or ‘Traptox’ online – as the treatment is currently trending due to its promises to give you the long, slender neck of a Barbie doll. If you’re curious about the procedure and whether it’s right for you, read on to understand how it works, who can benefit from it, and the results to expect
What is Traptox and how does it work?
Botox, also known as botulinum toxin, is a neurotoxin that has the ability to relax muscles. It acts at the neuromuscular junctions to inhibit muscle contractions. Most commonly, Botox is used to relax the facial muscles, resulting in the reduction of wrinkles. Similarly, when Botox is injected into the masseter muscles, which are responsible for jaw movement, it relaxes these muscles, leading to a reduction in teeth grinding and a slimming effect on the face shape.
Likewise, when botulinum toxin is safely injected into the trapezius muscles, which is the large muscle that starts at the base of your neck and extends across your shoulders to the middle of your back, it induces relaxation without affecting the normal movement of the arm, shoulder joint, back, and neck. By curbing the overactivity of the trapezius muscle, hypertrophic trapezius muscles gradually lose their bulk and size.
Over the course of a few weeks, the hypertrophic muscles slim down, resulting in a more refined and elegant neckline and a total elimination of pain and tension.
What results should you expect?
The results of trapezius Botox injections are not immediate; they typically become noticeable within a few days to a week after the procedure. Injecting Botox into the trapezius muscle creates a slimming effect, resulting in a more elongated and defined appearance of the neck and jawline.
And from a medical point of view, it also helps to relieve muscle tension and pain in the neck and shoulders caused by poor posture. It can also improve muscle spasms and headaches associated with neck and shoulder tension. Overall, you can expect to experience reduced muscle tension, decreased spasms, and alleviation of associated pain
It’s important to note that the effects of Botox are temporary, typically lasting around 3 to 6 months. As the muscle activity gradually returns, follow-up treatments may be required to maintain the desired results.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
Traptox is ideal for anyone hoping to get effective relief from tension and knots, as well as a slimmer, elongated neck appearance. It can have a lifechanging effect because the trapezius muscles are a common accumulator of tension. It’s ideal for desk workers, anyone with poor posture, or those with overdeveloped trapezius muscles. Tension in this area not only leads to pain but may contribute to headaches and migraines too.
If you’d like to learn more about Traptox and whether it’s right for you, click here to enquire or to book a consultation.