Trapezius Botox: What to Know, Benefits, Before and Afters
Excuse Me, What's This "Trap Botox" Trend on TikTok?
Image Source: Getty
"Tweakments" and tiny cosmetic procedures are on the up and up, leading many first-timers and even seasoned veterans to discover entirely new options available to them. That's likely behind the spike in interest around "trap Botox" on TikTok right now.
As you might know, Botox is most commonly used for treating fine lines and wrinkles, but that's not the full extent of its uses. Getting injections in your trapezius muscles, located at the tops of your shoulders, is said to slim the muscles in that area, reducing the appearance of a hunch and creating an elongated neck. Simply typing "trap Botox" into the search bar on the app procedures a long list of results and corresponding videos ranging in topic from before and afters to explainers. With 2.6 million views on the hashtag, it's clear people are interested in learning more about this lesser-known, off-label use for neurotoxins.
Intrigued? Keep reading for more information on trapezius Botox, or "trap tox," as the cool kids on TikTok are calling it.
What Is Trapezius Botox?
"Trap Botox" refers to having muscle relaxing injections such as Botulinum Toxin injected into the trapezius muscles. There are two main reasons someone may want to get shoulder Botox: aesthetics and pain.
"The use of muscle relaxing injections in the trapezius muscle aims to alleviate chronic pain, particularly in conditions like chronic neck pain, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome," Dr Noreen Hashmi, Cosmetic Doctor at sk:n clinics, tells POPSUGAR. "Injections can also be used for the slimming or contouring of the trapezius muscle, resulting in a more aesthetically desired neck and shoulder profile."
Many of the trap Botox videos on TikTok are driven by people seeking leaner and longer-looking shoulders. Case in point: the topic is gaining traction among brides-to-be looking to accentuate their shoulders and neck even more at their upcoming wedding.
@staceinurface TRAP TOX, I'm counting on you 🙏 #weddingtiktok #trapbotox #2023bride #fyp #foryou
♬ original sound - Stace
Who's a Good Candidate For Trapezius Botox?
As there are two main benefits of trapezius Botox, there are two different categories of people who may seek out this cosmetic procedure. "If you suffer from muscle soreness or pain in your neck/back, you are a great candidate," says Hillary Mills, F-NP, an aesthetic nurse practitioner at SkinSpirit. "It can be particularly life-changing for people with very active jobs and people who spend a lot of time hunching over computer screens."
If you're in it for the visual impact, Mills says you're also likely a good candidate if you "ever wished your neck looked longer and slimmer." Just talk it over with your provider to be sure.
Trapezius Botox Surgery Risks
Unlike some trendy cosmetic procedures that go viral on TikTok, shoulder Botox is what Mills calls "low-risk, high-reward." That said, the neurotoxin comes with a short list of potential side effects. This includes some burning and tenderness at the injection site, as well as mild bruising. These should subside shortly after your appointment. As with any injections or procedures, please seek medical advice before jumping in.
What to Expect When Getting Trapezius Botox
If you want to give "trap tox" a try, the first step is to get a consultation with your provider. The NHS website recommends finding a qualified and experienced medical practitioner to perform the procedure.
Similar to getting a Botox injection in your face, the process is fairly quick and easy. If you're concerned about pain, Mills recommends icing the area to "take the edge off the sting" of the needle.
"You may experience tenderness at the injection sites for 24 hours," she says. "The Botox will begin to take effect between three to four days after your appointment, but the muscles will fully relax in two weeks."
No matter where you get Botox injections, it only lasts on average for about four to six months, depending on the person, before the body metabolises it. After that, a touchup is needed to get the desired result again.
Trapezius Botox Before and After
