Traptox, Barbie Tox, 90 Degree Shoulders: Do I Need Body Tox?

Traptox, Ballerina Neck, Barbie Tox, Swan Neck, 90 degree shoulders, whatever it is you choose to call it, treating the trapezius muscles with Botox is by no means a new phenomenon. For years, injectors and doctors have been safely injecting the trapezius muscle for both aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. Many of us hold tension in our necks, whether that be from our jobs, cleaning our homes, exercising, or looking down at our phones throughout the day. So while Traptox can be used help to elongate the neck and create a slimmer silhouette, it can also be used to reduce muscle pain and tension headaches.

Body Tox: Why is Everyone Talking About Traptox?

Talk about Body Botox really peaked post pandemic. After a year of being at home, bent over on laptops, people began to notice both the physical and aesthetic consequences on their necks and shoulders. Of course better posture can be achieved through exercise, intentional positioning and even braces, but few things can release hyperactive muscles and address minute muscle pain quite like Botox can. In a recent Elle Magazine article, Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lara Devgan says

"you should think of body Botox not as a tool to shrink healthy muscles, but as a way to help address imbalances and anything else causing pain or poor posture. It’s akin to really good tailoring. A few small injections in targeted areas can help streamline the anatomy."

What are the Trapezius Muscles?

The trapezius muscles are a large triangular shaped pair of muscles that extend from the lower neck, laterally inserting in to the shoulders, and into the upper back. The function of the trapezius muscle is to assist in shrugging or lifting of the shoulders and act as a stabilizing muscle between surrounding muscle groups. The upper portion of the trapezius muscles play a role in the aesthetic appearance of the neck and shoulder line, and its shape/size may make a person look more masculine or feminine. When examining sexual dimorphism of the neck and shoulder line, a long, slim neck and shoulder line is associated and most often an anatomical feminine feature.

Conversely, a well-developed muscular neck line is associated to the male anatomy, with a thicker and shorter neck in many cases.

What Does Botox Do When It's Injected into the Trapezius?

Whether due to our jobs or chronic phone scrolling, stiffness, tension and chronic pain in the trapezius muscle is a very common complaint in modern society. Stiff trapezius muscles can cause chronic neck, upper back and shoulder pain and aches, occasionally leading to persistent migraines.

The injection of Botulinum toxin into the upper portion of the muscle relaxes the localized muscle fibres. When muscle fibres are not functionally used they start to weaken and slim down from decreased flexing and movement.

As a result, there is less tension held in the area, and the area also physically becomes smaller and slimmer over a period of 1-2 months. Dosage depends on indication and muscle size, however average dosage ranges between 50-80 - units per side with the longevity of the treatment often lasting 4-8 months. Trap tox that we talk about today is the evolution of a treatment that was first used for a physical indication and has now has gained popularity due to its aesthetic outcomes.

What Does a Trap Tox Treatment Look Like?

What Are The Benefits of Trap Tox?

• Shoulder Contouring

• Slimming the neck and shoulders

• Slims overactive trap muscles

• Decrease muscle tightness

• Reduce neck pain

• Improve posture

• Creates a straighter, more elegant shoulder contour

Will Trap Tox Impact my Workouts?

The trapezius muscle can easily bulk up through strength training. For some patients, this is a desirable aesthetic, while others would prefer to have a longer neck to shoulder line. Getting Trapezius Botox/TrapTox can actually help you to improve the efficacy of your workouts by isolating the muscles you want to work out like your back and shoulders, without compensating and falling back on your traps.

Can it be Covered by Insurance?

While we are an aesthetic clinic, some injectable treatments done for functional purposes, can be covered by individual health insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to treatment to see if Trap Tox is something your plan covers. For more on the steps you should follow, click here.

Trapezius Botox is an exceptional treatment for anyone looking to elongate their necklines this summer or is suffering from painful knots and muscle tension. But like any treatment, especially one that can impact your day to day comfort and movement, it is always best to seek out a professional who has the experience and skillset to help give you your desired outcome. If you are interested in learning more, would like to book a consultation or are ready to start your own Beauty Evolution, please call us at 647-350-7546 or click here.