“TrapTox” or “Barbie Botox” (Botox for the Trapezius)

botox for trapezius muscle "trap-tox"

“TrapTox” has quickly become become a hot topic in the beauty world, along with synonym buzzwords “Barbie Botox” or “Trapezius Botox” making headlines. Treating the trapezius muscle in the neck and/or shoulders with a neurotoxin like Botox or Dysport for pain management or even now for cosmetic reasons is becoming more popular.

The benefits of a trapezius neurotoxin treatment:
• Relax tense or chronically tight shoulders
• Reduce neck and shoulder pain and stiffness, which in turn, may aid chronic headache sufferers
• Alleviate excessive muscle contraction
• Induce straighter-angled, better-defined shoulders
• Make the neck look elongated and lean

TrapTox before and after
BEFORE & AFTER NEUROTOXIN TRAPEZIUS TREATMENT BY PRACTITIONER MELONIE THOMPSON, FNP-C

Neurotoxins have been used for years for relieving pain and tightness, even before FDA-approval for cosmetic procedures.

Some people may have large trapezius muscles genetically, while others may have a trapezius that is overactive or overdeveloped. Injecting these muscles, which run from the base of the neck across the shoulders and down the upper part of the back, with a neurotoxin helps patients to relax. Neck stiffness is reduced, and in turn, posture is improved, creating a more contoured and elongated neck. This slimming effect can also make you look taller with more defined “square” shoulders.

Functional TrapTox Patients

Consider a trapezius neurotoxin treatment if you frequently rub your tight shoulders or suffer from chronic headaches.

One of the reasons patients visit clinics for trapezius treatment is upper back and shoulder pain. TrapTox relaxes the trapezius muscle, which relieves tension and lessens the possibility of a stiff neck and shoulder pain. When compared to numerous sessions of physical therapy and/or massage, patients have told us that relief is more powerful and longer lasting.

Because neck and shoulder tightness can contribute to tension headaches, sufferers are turning to neurotoxin injections for relief. Research is showing that a trigger point for migraines is in the trapezius and that TrapTox may reduce migraine severity and frequency.

Relief from pain may last 3-6 months.

Cosmetic TrapTox Patients

Although we do treat some male patients, this is mostly a female procedure because the male anatomy lends itself to developing thick, powerful muscles in the area of the traps, which most men prefer.

Strong, hypertrophied, or bulky trapezius muscles are thought by female patients to shorten neck lines and widen the shoulder/neck region. A gentler transition from the neck to the shoulder tends to lengthen the neck lines and increase confidence while wearing summer dresses, bridal gowns, and off-the-shoulder tops. Our patients adore the extended, supple, and regal swan neck that results after trapezius muscle neurotoxin injection.

Some patients simply want to to improve their posture, which is achieved with the prevention of hunching of neck and shoulders by this treatment.

hvme-horizontal-rule-products

Botox or Dysport start working in 4-6 days. It may take up to four weeks before the full pain or tightness relief is felt or esthetic slimming effects start to show; unlike with treatment for lines and wrinkles, neurotoxins in the trapezius take a week or two longer for cosmetic effects to be fully apparent.

Results can often last five to six months.

The treatment is quick and pretty much painless. We inject Botox or Dysport into the trapezius muscle using a very fine needle, causing the muscle to relax and after a few weeks post treatment the muscle gets a little smaller and less bulky. The result is elongation of the neck line and a softness of that sometimes bulky looking neck/shoulder area.

Our master injectors are pleased to offer the Trap-Tox service for visually improving your neck profile while reducing tension and shoulder stiffness.

>>>Learn more about TheraTox treatments

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Marie R.
Another great experience at Hayes Valley Medical. From making the appointment (seamless) to the treatment with Susie, an excellent experience, completely pristine, great results (already!), and professional follow-up. Can’t say enough.
Kirsten S.
Linda and staff are amazing. I am always very happy with my treatment results. It is apparent that she researches various technologies and techniques. The applications are always evolving with new and improved products. Highly recommended.
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Suzanne P.
Excellent service and an overall pleasant experience. Victoria was professional and knowledgeable. She proposed treatments addressing both my anesthetic and medical concerns.. I could not be happier with the results. Also, the Receptionist, Mattie, was pleasant and efficient. I look forward to future treatments.
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Lisa M.
Hayes Valley is the best! Kate did an incredible job with Dysport removing the wrinkles from my forehead, Sandra gave me great abs and glutes with Emsculpt, and Linda gave me my youthful facial structure back with Sculptra. These women are truly amazing. So glad that I found them!
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Gene V.
I love Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics! I've been coming for a while now for Botox and filler treatments. Linda is AMAZING! She knows just the right amount of product needed in all the right places to bring out my best facial features. I feel more handsome every time!!

The front desk staff are super sweet and helpful. They always ask exactly what I want and I never feel like I'm being 'upsold' or encouraged to do anything other than what I came in for. I would highly recommend HVME to anybody that is on the unsure about trying some of the services they offer. You won't be disappointed. Thank you!!
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Gene V.
I love Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics! I've been coming for a while now for Botox and filler treatments. Linda is AMAZING! She knows just the right amount of product needed in all the right places to bring out my best facial features. I feel more handsome every time!!

The front desk staff are super sweet and helpful. They always ask exactly what I want and I never feel like I'm being 'upsold' or encouraged to do anything other than what I came in for. I would highly recommend HVME to anybody that is on the unsure about trying some of the services they offer. You won't be disappointed. Thank you!!
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Julie S.
This was my first experience with any filler/injection treatment and it was very pleasant, professional and everyone there made me feel safe, welcome and I felt very knowledgeable coming out of my treatment about what to expect. I will absolutely be back!
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Tina B.
Diana at the front desk is so sweet, the medical assistant was amazing & personable and Kate who did my procedure is my favorite! As I walked out and met my husband, I told him how much I enjoy being there & what a good vibe Hayes has.
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Cher B.
Sheila and Linda took great care of me and I look younger and vibrant.  I do not trust anyone else for injectables.  Linda is careful, thoughtful, and respectful of one’s budget. I have followed her from Marin into SF and I will continue to follow her where ever she practices.
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Emily N.
I highly recommend Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics!! All the front desk staff are warm, friendly and professional and Denise is the best for laser, she goes above to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Andrea is exceptional at explaining the services they offer. They are the best in SF in my opinion and I do my research!
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Kathleen F.
Excellent customer service, advice, and care. Botox and Microneedling. Melonie is a gem. She is extremely knowledgable, sincere and honest. Everyone here is helpful, They carry a fabulous array of skin products too. I am so pleased with my results!
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