Dangers of “Barbie Tox”: Should Trap Tox Be Done for Aesthetics?

The rise of “Trap Tox” or “Barbie Tox” is a growing concern among plastic surgeons in the cosmetic landscape. This treatment involves administering muscle relaxing injections to the trapezius muscle, commonly known as the “traps,” originally designed to address neck and shoulder pains, migraines, and muscle tension but now gaining popularity for aesthetic purposes. The trend has been fuelled by social media, especially TikTok, with the hashtag #traptox gaining widespread attention.

Why do patients seek Trap Tox treatment?

Dubbed as the “Barbie Tox”, the primary driving force behind this viral beauty trend is prominently influenced by the 2023 Barbie movie release and is rooted in the aspiration to emulate Barbie’s distinct physical features. Barbie, as a doll, lacks trapezius muscles, and her anatomical structure includes a long neck, flat shoulders, and complete right angles. This unique physique has long become a symbol of a particular feminine aesthetic characterised by atypical, slender, youthful, and doll-like proportions. The desire to replicate this look has led many women to pursue the relaxation of their trapezius muscles through muscle relaxing injections such as botulinum toxin. By diminishing the prominence of these muscles, individuals aim to achieve a Barbie-esque neckline and, consequently, embody what is perceived as a more elegant and idealised feminine form. The trend underscores the cultural association of this particular aesthetic with notions of femininity, encouraging individuals to strive for a slender and youthful appearance reminiscent of the iconic doll.

Functional Benefits of Trap Tox Injections

A leading Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon in the UK and in the UAE, Mr. Allen Rezai highlights the benefits of trap tox, including shoulder slimming and a more feminine shoulder profile, but expresses concern about its increasing use for purely aesthetic reasons. Mr. Allen Rezai strongly recommends focusing on Trap Tox functional benefits, such as alleviating chronic neck and shoulder pains, reducing muscle tension, headaches, and improving mobility and posture, rather than purely aesthetic motives.

How does Trap Tox work?

Administering trap tox involves injecting a substantial dose of neuromodulators in the trapezius muscles. The trapezius is a substantial muscle that borders the rear of the head, neck, and shoulders – this is one of the locations in the body where the muscle needs to be at its strongest. Mr. Allen Rezai advises caution, emphasising the need for experienced injectors and discouraging the pursuit of cheaper, inexperienced alternatives due to potential risks and complications of this viral beauty trend, including lung puncture. Like anti-wrinkle injection in the face, trap tox has temporary effects, lasting three to four months. Trap tox is also deemed costly, requiring top-up sessions every six months.

What are the risks of Trap Tox?

The medical risks of trap tox are similar to the risks associated with neuromodulator injection in the face. In the short term, patients may experience pain, bruising, and discomfort at the injection site. Long-term side effects could encompass muscle weakness or paralysis, with a risk of spread to adjacent muscles. There are further risks and complications that may arise following the treatment, and these need to be carefully discussed with your treatment provider. With the trend being mainly entertained among younger women, another concerning risk is the resistance against muscle relaxing injections. This means that the products when use in substantial amounts frequently, could become less effective for an individual over time and/or when needed in future for medical reasons. From an aesthetic standpoint, the trap tox procedure has gained widespread attention on the internet due to its transformative ability to elongate the neck’s appearance and making the shoulders appear slimmer. However, like any aesthetic treatment, the outcome from one patient to another may vary. There is a possibility that the changes brought about by “trap tox” may not align with your desired look or may not be harmonious with your unique features.

Advice from Mr. Allen Rezai

Trap Tox or Barbie Tox Injections should never be taken lightly according to Mr. Allen Rezai. The trapezius muscle’s crucial role in neck and arm movement makes careful deliberation worth emphasising before undergoing the procedure. Although muscle relaxing injections are considered safe and effective, when done incorrectly can result to adverse outcomes. Mr. Allen Rezai notes that seeking expert guidance from a fully qualified and experienced practitioner is an absolute must rather than resorting to cheaper, inexperienced alternatives. Despite offering attractive aesthetic benefits, trap tox should be approached with care due to its association with potential long-term consequences and the loosely regulated nature of the beauty treatment industry. To learn more about Muscle Relaxing Injections in general, please visit: Muscle Relaxing Injections.