Is Trap Botox Any Good?

With over 20 million views on TikTok, Barbie botox has found legions of fans online. Also known as Trap Botox or “TrapTox,” it simply refers to the injection of botox into the trapezius muscle, specifically in the shoulders, to achieve certain functional and/or aesthetic goals.

You might’ve seen a bunch of before and afters online with people claiming they feel less pain, have fewer headaches, or even have their shoulders appear more slim and feminine after this treatment. But is trap botox all just a marketing trap, or is there more to it? Let’s find out!

What Is Trap Botox?

Trap botox is the injection of botulinum toxin into the trapezius muscle – a kind of triangular (although, specifically, a trapezoid-shaped) muscle in the upper back; it’s responsible for different functions, such as:

• Shrugging of the shoulders
• Helping in the movement of the neck and arms
• Stabilising the shoulders
• Bending to the side
• Keeping your posture
• Rotating the head

Trap botox doesn’t target the entire muscle. It mainly focuses on the shoulders and may also include the neck area. Many people choose to get this type of Botox to smooth out any humps or bumps that might exist in the junction between their neck and shoulders. The goal is to make the area look flatter (like a Barbie), slender and more youthful.

The way Botox works is that it blocks the transmission of a neurotransmitter to the muscle, stopping it from contracting. In the case of trap botox, the idea is that it may essentially help reduce the bulkiness of the muscle, which is what then makes the area look slimmer.

This certainly isn’t a completely new application of Botox. For instance, in a similar way, masseter botox is used to shrink the size of an enlarged masseter muscle. It can help slim down the lower half of the face as well as help with different aches and pains.

How Much Is Trap Botox?

In the UK, a session of trap Botox might cost you somewhere between £400 to £1,000. The price can vary depending on the:

• Number of units used in the treatment
• Type of botox used
• Experience and qualifications of your practitioner
• Location of the clinic

However, it should be noted that depending on the exact usage of botox, you might be able to get it on the NHS or your medical insurance, such as in the case of chronic migraine.

Why Do People Get Botox In Their Shoulders?

People may choose to get botox injections in their shoulders for different reasons, such as:

• Migraines and headaches
• Release the tension in the neck
• Make the neck look more elongated
• Relief from pain
• Improvement in posture
• Reduce the size of hypertrophied (increase in the size of muscle) trapezius muscle

Therefore, the goal of trap botox isn’t always cosmetic; it has been used for addressing functional issues as well. But in any case, if you’re considering getting these injectables, you should have a thorough consultation with a board-certified medical professional.

Contraindications For Botox Injections

There are certain contraindications for botox injections, in general, including:

• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Allergic reaction
• Neuromuscular disorders

These are not all contraindications. Make sure to have a thorough consultation with your provider about your suitability for the injections.

How Is Trap Botox Done?

Trap botox may cause a degree of discomfort, which is why your practitioner may begin with the application of a numbing cream so you don’t feel pain. For the injections, they will mark different areas on your shoulders (possibly neck as well) and then inject on each side. Depending on how much you need, the number of units may vary between 20 to 50 or more on each side.

The injections themselves might not take more than 20 minutes, but you should account for the time taken by the numbing cream to take effect, so, in total, the session might take 40 minutes to an hour. There is no downtime for this treatment, but your practitioner might give you some aftercare instructions.

What To Expect After Trap Botox?

You should not expect to see results immediately after getting trap botox. It can take some time for you to notice any difference. As for your aftercare, you might be advised to:

• Avoid exercising
• Refrain from bending your head
• Avoid massaging the area or putting any pressure there
• Don’t get into spas, saunas, hot tubs, etc.

Since aftercare instructions can vary between practitioners, it’s important that you follow the advice of your own doctor.

How Long Does Trap Botox Take To Work?

In general, you might start noticing the effects of trap botox after 1-2 weeks, but it may take up to 4 weeks for the results to be realised. Here, it’s also a good idea to take a “before” picture of yourself. The results of this treatment can be so subtle that you might not notice them once they start kicking in.

How Long Does Trap Botox Last?

Trap botox might between 3-6 months. It’s not a permanent treatment, so your practitioner might advise you repeat sessions to continue seeing results. In this case, however, you should make sure to discuss the long-term effects of botox with them so you can make a more informed decision.

Is Trap Botox Safe?

While some consider trap botox to be safe, there are others who have expressed concerns about weakening the strength of the muscle in that area, negatively impacting the functions of the trapezius muscle. For instance, it might make it difficult for you to lift things up. 

It’s also very important that you find a trained and experienced practitioner for these injections, as an injection in the wrong area or the wrong number of units can also have adverse consequences for you. 

You should also know that botox is not without risks, such as infection, muscle weakness, breathing difficulties, etc. You might also experience pain and soreness, which is why it’s better to clear everything up with your practitioner in the consultation session. 

Is Trap Botox Worth It?

Trap botox can be worth it in addressing a number of concerns. According to one study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, Botox can “create smooth and neat contours” by reducing the size of the hypertrophied trapezius muscle.

Another study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery also showed its benefits in the treatment of trapezius myalgia – which refers to pain in that muscle. It may also make the neck look more elongated, but you need to keep in mind that it might not work for everyone.

Conclusion

While trap botox might’ve blown up on the internet for a more feminine aesthetic of the neck, injection of Botox into the shoulders isn’t a “new” trend. It’s been around for quite some time and has found functional applications.

But before you decide to get botox for any kind of aches and pains, it’s very important to first have a doctor assess the underlying cause of your problem. They’ll then make recommendations to you accordingly.

Reviewed and approved by Prof. Dr. Fuat Yuksel

FAQ