Botox, or botulinum toxin, is most renowned for its ability to eliminate wrinkles. However, it may surprise you to discover that it can also be employed for body sculpting. Apart from reducing the size of the jaw and calf muscles, Botox injections in the shoulders, specifically targeting the trapezius muscles, can effectively streamline and refine bulky shoulder muscles. This trend has gained popularity on TikTok under the hashtag #TrapTox. The outcomes of trapezius Botox injections, or shoulder Botox, include alleviation of neck and shoulder tension, as well as a slimmer and more feminine appearance, particularly for women.

The trapezius muscle, a sizable muscle spanning from the back of the head and neck to the shoulders, plays a significant role in shoulder appearance. In cases where the trapezius muscle becomes enlarged or hypertrophic, the shoulders can take on a bulky and more masculine appearance. Additionally, hypertrophic trapezius muscles can create the illusion of a shorter neck and a wider face.

Botox or botulinum toxin injections can be utilized as a treatment option for hypertrophic trapezius muscles. These injections assist in addressing and reshaping enlarged shoulder and collarbone muscles, thereby promoting a more slender silhouette.

The trapezius muscle, a broad and flat muscle extending sideways from the back of the head and neck to the shoulders, serves various functions such as raising the shoulders (shrugging), pulling them backward, and aiding in neck extension and rotation.

Enlarged trapezius muscles can occur when the muscle is overactive, leading to hypertrophy. This hypertrophy causes the shoulders and muscles above the collarbone to appear larger. Furthermore, it creates the illusion of a shorter neck and a wider face, resulting in a more masculine and robust appearance. For women, this masculine appearance can be particularly noticeable, especially when wearing shoulder-baring attire.

Overactive trapezius muscles can develop even in individuals who are not bodybuilders. In a condition called upper crossed syndrome, poor posture puts strain on the trapezius muscle, resulting in pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the upper back and neck.

Upper crossed syndrome is commonly observed in individuals who habitually bend their backs and necks forward, resembling a hunched or slouched posture. This posture is also prevalent among those who adopt a rounded back and neck position while working at their desks. The constant overactivity of the muscles causes the trapezius to become overdeveloped.

Trapezius botox injections offer a solution for treating overactive, overdeveloped, or hypertrophic trapezius muscles. Botulinum toxin is injected into trigger points within the muscle to relax the trapezius. Over the course of several weeks, the trapezius muscle gradually slims down, resulting in a more slender and feminine appearance of the shoulders and collarbones.

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. In the context of facial treatment, 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, 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. This process is comparable to a bodybuilder who stops working out and experiences a decrease in muscle mass over a period of weeks.

Over the course of a few weeks, the hypertrophic muscles slim down, resulting in a more refined and elegant neckline. The effects of trapezius Botox typically last for 4-6 months.

In the treatment of the trapezius muscle, botulinum toxin is directly injected into the upper shoulder region. The injections are strategically placed at the points where the nerve that supplies the trapezius muscle is located. On average, around 4-5 injection points are required for this procedure. The entire treatment typically lasts approximately 5-10 minutes.

At Dr Sknn Wilmslow, trap tox also known as Trapezius botox for shoulder contouring is performed by Dr Shaffu

The utilization of botulinum toxin for shoulder contouring is considered an off-label use. While there are limited studies available on trapezius botox injections for both pain management and contouring purposes, the existing research suggests that these injections are generally safe.

The dosages of Botulinum toxin administered for trapezius muscle injections are generally low. It's important to note that with any injections, there is a possibility of muscle aches and soreness resulting from the injection process itself, rather than the botulinum toxin. However, specific risks associated with botox trapezius injections include potential weakness in the neck and shoulder areas, as well as imbalances in the size of both shoulders.

The results of botulinum toxin injections last 4-6 months.

It takes approximately 4-6 weeks for the shoulder muscles to slim down after trapezius botox injections.

There is no specific number of units of Botox used for trapezius botox for shoulder contouring on each side as each individual seeking this treatment is different.

At Dr Sknn, prior to any anti-wrinkle injection procedure, Dr Shaffu performs a full medical history. Dr Shaffu then will perform a full aesthetic consultation looking at your trapezius, shoulders and neck area and evaluates which signs of ageing have occurred. During the consultation there will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns, expectations, results or questions you may have. Prior to treatment any risks associated with the treatment are discussed ensuring you fully understand them. As each patient is different and no one size fits all approach is taken, Dr Shaffu then formulates a couture plan specifically tailored to your ageing concerns and signs that have developed. The expert technique is then performed to produce long lasting natural results in the least painful manner.

At Dr Sknn, during the consultation a medical history including a physical examination will be performed including photographs. During the consultation there will be an opportunity to discuss any concerns, expectations, results, or questions you may have. Prior to the treatment any post treatment advice and risks associated with the treatment are discussed ensuring you fully understand them.