Barbie Botox, or TrapTox, is a TikTok-fuelled trend where Botox is injected into the trapezius muscles to slim the shoulders and lengthen the neck. In the UK, searches for “Barbie Botox UK” have exploded, with videos showing dramatic before-and-afters and celebrities crediting the treatment for a more Barbie-like silhouette. But behind the hype, this so-called Botox for shoulder slimming is a medical procedure with real risks, not just a social media filter in a syringe.
This viral procedure is now riding a double wave of hype from the back of the 2023 summer movie smash hit. But what exactly is Barbie Botox? Is it safe? And how trustworthy can a procedure be whose popularity is owed to social media? Let’s cut through the hype.
What is Barbie Botox (TrapTox)?
While Botox in the face is all about minimising those fine lines, TrapTox was created for therapeutic benefits in the neck and shoulders. However, it’s now trending for its aesthetic adjustments.
Of course, who wouldn’t want to look like Margot Robbie, but is TrapTox all it is cracked up to be?
What is Barbie Botox supposed to treat?
The standard medical reason for Traptox treatment is to relieve chronic neck and shoulder pain, muscle tension, and headaches. During a treatment of Barbie Botox, Botulinum toxin is injected into the trapezius muscle (the large, triangular-shaped muscle that extends over the upper back, neck and shoulders) to relieve tension, soothe pain, and promote relaxation. In some cases, TrapTox can be used to release muscular tension and treat trapped nerves. For patients with enlarged muscles due to overuse through physical training, TrapTox could be a helpful treatment to reduce the muscle size. Aesthetically, Barbie Botox is now often used as a treatment of Botox for shoulder slimming. It allows people to achieve a more traditionally feminine physique with a non-invasive treatment.
How does Barbie Botox work?
The trapezius muscle is responsible for several movements of the shoulder and upper back, including shrugging the shoulders, pulling the shoulder blades together and tilting the head to the side. It plays a significant role in maintaining posture and stability in the upper body.
When left in its tense state, the trapezius muscle can thicken, which results in what some perceive as a more masculine shape. That’s where Barbie Botox comes in. By relaxing the trapezius with a TrapTox procedure, there is a side effect of a longer-looking neck and slimmer shoulders. This mimics the iconic doll’s slender physique, and is the cause for the nickname.
Should you trust social media about Barbie Botox?
Like so many social media beauty trends, TrapTox’s ground zero was Kim Kardashian. Earlier in the year the star confessed to a voice coach on an episode of The Kardashians, that “half” of her neck is “probably Botoxed”. This ignited interest in why she was having Botox injected into this unusual area, and so TrapTox hit the mainstream.
Given that the Kardashian family faces frequent criticisms for setting unrealistic beauty standards, should we be following out-there treatments popularised by both them and the following Barbie movie associations?
Social media, when used responsibly to educate and inform patients, can be a great tool to help elevate patient awareness and autonomy of choice. However, when treatments are created off the back of other trends, it is extremely alarming, and using the popularity of the Barbie movie to make a treatment like TrapTox mainstream as ‘Barbie Botox’ is unethical.
What are the risks of Barbie Botox?
It seems that behind all the social media noise, Barbie Botox does have legitimate physical benefits. Indeed, TrapTox has been offered at clinics for decades to treat all manner of physical maladies, be it tension headaches, migraines or shoulder and neck discomfort. However, like any procedure, TrapTox isn’t without its risks. Precision is paramount. If injections are administered too high or too deep, there is a risk of causing damage to the surrounding brachial plexus nerve network. This could have an impact on the function and sensation of the skin as well as the muscles of the arm and hand. Non-surgical cosmetic injectables like Barbie Botox are currently moving towards a stricter licensing regime in England, after government consultations highlighted the risks of poorly regulated treatments.
Common short-term Barbie Botox risks include:
- Bruising, swelling and tenderness at the injection site
- Headache or flu-like symptoms
- Temporary neck or shoulder discomfort
More serious (but less common) risks if the treatment is badly performed:
- Excess muscle weakness, making it harder to lift the arms
- Changes in posture or strength
- Potential impact on the brachial plexus nerve network if injections are placed incorrectly, which could affect arm and hand function
In short, common side effects include bruising and tenderness to the treatment site, but be cautious of the potential long-term effects. A poorly done procedure of Barbie Botox risks muscle weakness, and even paralysis in extreme cases.
How much does Barbie Botox cost in the UK?
When you start searching for Barbie Botox UK, you’ll likely see a range of prices. It’s not unusual to see clinics on social media advertising TrapTox as a quick add-on treatment, which can make it feel as casual as a blow-dry. In reality, Barbie Botox is a prescription-only medical treatment, and the price should reflect the expertise, product quality and clinical standards behind it.
As a rough guide, Barbie Botox cost in the UK is often in the region of a few hundred pounds per session, depending on:
- The experience and qualifications of the practitioner
- The clinic’s location
- How much product is required for your individual trapezius muscles
- Whether you’re being treated for medical reasons or cosmetic
If you see Barbie Botox or TrapTox being advertised at a very low price, especially via social media or in non-clinical settings, take this as a cause for concern. Cheap deals could mean corners are being cut on product, hygiene, aftercare, or the practitioner’s training. When it comes to injections placed so close to important nerves and muscles, “bargain” Barbie Botox is not a risk worth taking.
It’s also worth considering the long-term cost. Botox for shoulder slimming is not permanent; results are temporary, typically lasting 3-6 months, and will usually require maintenance treatments to sustain the same look. That means you’re not just paying for a one-off tweak, but potentially committing to a repeated expense over time.
What should I consider before getting TrapTox?
Before you book any Barbie Botox in the UK, there are important questions to ask yourself and your practitioner. Is it a quick-fix to achieve a Margot Robbie-like silhouette? Or are you genuinely suffering from pain or tension in those areas?
Caution is advised regarding the treatment. Most individuals likely do not need TrapTox, as the trapezius muscle plays an important role in upper body strength.
Using a toxin injectable to shrink it will invariably influence weakening neck and shoulder movements. However, if you have visible mass bulk of the muscle or neck tension, TrapTox can be a good treatment option. If you’re considering a TrapTox treatment, always consult a qualified practitioner to discuss your needs first.
What happens during a Barbie Botox appointment?
If you decide to explore Barbie Botox further with a reputable clinic, knowing what to expect from the appointment can help you feel more informed and in control. While every practitioner has their own way of working, a safe appointment should always begin with a detailed medical consultation.
Typically, your appointment should cover:
1. Medical assessment
Your practitioner will take a full medical history, ask about medications and allergies, and discuss your symptoms or aesthetic goals. They should clearly explain the potential Barbie Botox risks, benefits, and alternatives before asking you to sign a consent form.
2. Examination and treatment planning
The practitioner will examine your trapezius muscles, assess posture and muscle bulk, and determine whether TrapTox is appropriate. They may mark the injection points on your skin to guide accurate placement.
3. The injections
Small amounts of botulinum toxin are injected into targeted points of the trapezius muscle using a fine needle. You might feel a brief sting or a bit of pressure. The procedure itself is usually quick, but the skill lies in the practitioner’s knowledge of anatomy, dosage and depth, rather than how quick the procedure is.
4. Aftercare and follow-up
You should be given clear aftercare advice, which may include avoiding strenuous upper-body exercise, heavy lifting, or massages in the treated area for a short period. A follow-up review may be offered to assess your response and monitor any side effects. Your practitioner will cover all of this in detail with you.
If your “Barbie Botox” experience rushes any of these steps, you should take this as an immediate warning sign that your safety is not being prioritised.
How do I get Barbie Botox safely?
If you still feel that Barbie Botox, or Traptox, is the right treatment choice for you, it’s important to find a trusted practitioner.
Save Face is the UK’s government-approved register for medical aesthetic treatments, independently accrediting practitioners and clinics to ensure they meet rigorous safety standards.
With our database, you can use the search function to find a safe practitioner for your procedure, or find out more about different popular Botox treatments.
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