Trapezius Botox
Relaxing Neck Tension and Cosmetic Benefits
Medically Reviewed by Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD
Trapezius Botox, also called Trap Botox or TrapTox, is an increasingly popular treatment where Botox is injected into the upper trapezius muscles for two benefits. Trap Botox relaxes the trapezius muscle relieving neck tension and discomfort, that can also trigger headaches for patients. Overdeveloped trapezius muscles can be caused by various factors such as: weightlifting exercises, repetitive motion, poor sleeping positions, and sitting hunched over for extended periods of time.
Trap Botox is also popular for its cosmetic benefits. It can diminish the size of the upper trapezius muscle giving the illusion of an elongated and thinner neck. This use of TrapTox is called Barbie Botox.
Our expertise and experience with Botox treatments makes us the best choice for Trap Botox in NYC.
Trap Botox
Trap Botox works the same was as all Botox injections. Once injected precisely into the muscle, Botox works by diminishing the strength of muscle contractions. At around two weeks people start to notice that the muscle contractions are relaxing. And with time, like any muscle that is contracting less, the muscle diminishes in size.
TrapTox For Relief of Pain and Stress
Trapezius Botox is a great option for symptomatic relief of chronic shoulder and neck tension. Overdevelopment of the trapezius muscle leads to distressing discomfort for many people, and can be a frequent source of stress, neck pain, and headaches. Alternative treatments that patients try for trapezius discomfort include:
- Physical therapy
- Exercise
- Oral pain relievers
- Muscle relaxers
- Foam rolling
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
Unfortunately for many of our patients these alternative treatments prove ineffective, making TrapTox the best option for relief. After the Botox injections patients start to feel the muscle relaxing at around 2 weeks. Due to diminished contractions the trapezius muscle gradually diminishes in size and symptoms continue to improve over the course of 1-2 months. Most patients find that symptomatic relief from Trapezius Botox lasts about 4 to 6 months- longer than the typical duration for cosmetic Botox in the face.
Barbie Botox
There are also cosmetic benefits to Botox injections in trapezius muscle. As the muscle decreases significantly in size over the months after Trap Botox, posture in the area can improve and the neck can appear elongated and more delicate. This use of Botox is referred to as Barbie Botox.
It should be noted that the results of Barbie Botox are subtle and difficult to capture in before and after images. Even subtle changes in a patient's posture when taking photographs can make the artificially make the results seem more impressive than they actually are.
Patients who have undergone trapezius Botox injections report relief from neck and shoulder pain, and improved aesthetics. Most patients reported being very satisfied with the treatment, according to studies.
Trap Botox: Frequently Asked Questions
The trapezius Botox injection procedure includes the following steps:
- Consultation session to discuss the patient's concerns and expectations.
- Marking the areas to be injected along the shoulder.
- Injecting the Botox into each marked area with a small needle. The needle is slightly larger than the one we use for cosmetic treatments but the area is less sensitive.
- No downtime is associated with the procedure.
- Relaxation typically become more noticeable over two weeks and the minimized muscle size becomes more apparent about a month after the procedure.
- On average, the relaxation of the muscle last for four to six months.
Post-treatment care is pretty minimal. It is recommended to:
- Avoid exercise and excessive pressure on the area on the day of the procedure.
The risks of Trapezius Botox are mostly similar to Botox use in other areas. Trapezius Botox should only be performed by very experienced physicians to have the safest and most effective treatment possible. Incorrect placement of Botox in this area can make it less effective or potentially cause dangerous neck weakness. We have never had this side effect with Dr. Arash Akhavan performing the Trapezius Botox injections at The Dermatology and Laser Group in NYC.
Trapezius Botox costs $1200 for up to 100 units. There is $100 off for new patients. We find that most patients need about 60-80 units of Botox in this area. For the very rare patient that needs more than 100 units of Botox in this area, the charge is $14 per unit during the touch-up appointment that takes place between 14-21 days after the initial TrapTox appointment.
When selecting a qualified provider for trapezius Botox injections, it is crucial to evaluate their credentials, experience, and patient reviews. A provider should ideally be:
- A Board Certified Dermatologist or Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Requisite experience and training in administering Botox injections
- Adequate understanding of the anatomy of the neck and shoulder area and the pharmacology of Botox
Ideally, Botox injections should be administered by a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon as they are the most qualified and experienced practitioners with injectables.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group all Trapezius Botox is performed directly by board-certified dermatologist, Arash Akhavan, MD. Dr. Akhavan is a world renowned Botox expert and one of only a few members of Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) in New York. As part of AMI, Dr. Arash Akhavan is responsible for teaching proper injection techniques to other physicians and medical providers in the United States.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.
By Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD | | Categories: Botox, Face and Neck
