A Beginner’s Guide to Traptox: Pros, Cons, & Whether You Should Get It

Traptox—also called Barbie Botox—is the latest trend in injectables. It involves injecting Botox into the trapezius muscles along the shoulder, which is meant to help the neck look slimmer and longer. Traptox may also help alleviate neck and shoulder tension and pain. We’re here to share everything you need to know about Traptox, including what it is, how it works, and the potential drawbacks.

The Traptox Trend, Explained

Traptox—or trapezius botox—is a trend where Botox injections are placed along the trapezius muscles to make them look smaller (or to relieve neck pain). This creates the appearance of a longer, slimmer neck, similar to Barbie (hence the nickname Barbie Botox). The effects typically last about 4–5 months.

Section 1 of 9:

What is Traptox?

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Traptox is a procedure where Botox is injected into the trapezius muscles. This relaxes the trapezius muscles, which may help relieve neck pain and headaches. It can also make the trapezius muscles look smaller, creating the look of a longer, slimmer, and more feminine neck, especially for people whose trapezius muscles are especially large or hypertrophied.^{[1]
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- Traptox is also known as Barbie Botox because it can create a slim shoulder line and narrow neck, similar to a Barbie.
- Botox is the most common option for Traptox, but other injections, like Dysport, are sometimes used.

Section 2 of 9:

How does Traptox work?

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Traptox works by relaxing the trapezius muscles via the injection. During a Traptox injection, between 10–50 units of Botox (per side) are injected into the trapezius muscle on either side of the neck. The Botox paralyzes the nerves that control the muscle, so it can’t contract as strongly as it could before. This causes a slight atrophy, which makes the trapezius appear smaller and slimmer. This can also make the neck look more elongated and slender.^{[2]
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- How quickly will I see results? Results from Traptox may not be immediate. You may notice results after 5 to 7 days, but it can take up to 4 weeks for the results to be fully noticeable.^{[3]
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Section 3 of 9:

How long does Traptox last?

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The results may last a little longer for some people, while some people may find that their Traptox fades faster. Once the noticeable effects of Traptox fade, you’ll need another injection to keep experiencing the benefits.^{[4]
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Section 4 of 9:

Benefits of Traptox

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Traptox can slim the neckline and provide relief from muscle tension. When the trapezius muscles are overdeveloped—whether it’s from exercise or from slouching over a phone or computer—it can make the neck look shorter and thicker. Relaxing those muscles can help the neck look longer and thinner. Overall, the benefits of Traptox include:^{[5]
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- A slimmer-looking neck: Traptox is often used as an aesthetic procedure to reduce the size and appearance of the trapezius muscles.
- Pain relief: Releasing tension in the trapezius muscles has been shown to be effective in reducing neck and shoulder pain and headaches, including migraines.^{[6]
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- Posture improvements: Some people find that when their trapezius muscles are relaxed, it’s easier to maintain an upright (not slumped) posture.
- Non-invasive treatment: Traptox can provide an aesthetic improvement without the need for invasive cosmetic surgery.
- Quick results: Traptox only involves a few injections along the trapezius muscle, so appointments are usually quick.

Section 5 of 9:

Drawbacks of Traptox

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The main drawbacks of Traptox are pain, bruising, and muscle weakness. Some people may experience pain or discomfort during or after the Traptox injections, and bruising can occur. But the most notable side effect after Traptox is muscle weakness in the shoulders—some people find that it’s more difficult to raise their arms or lift heavy objects after having the injection. This typically resolves after 1–2 months. Overall, the drawbacks of Traptox include:^{[7]
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- It may not work for everyone: Some people do not have a noticeable change in the appearance of their trapezius muscles after Traptox, and it may not provide complete pain relief.
- It can be expensive: A typical Traptox procedure can cost more than $1,200, and it’s typically not covered by insurance.^{[8]
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- There are risks from incorrect injections: Too much Botox or having the injections placed incorrectly can increase the risk of side effects like muscle weakness, shoulder and neck pain, and lung collapse.^{[9]
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- You may develop resistance to Botox: Getting Botox injections can cause your body to build up a resistance, which can cause it to be less effective in the future.^{[10]
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- Some people may experience allergic reaction: Rarely, some people may experience an allergic reaction to Botox. Call your doctor if you notice itching, welts, or a rash near the injection site, or if you have trouble breathing or feel dizzy after your injection.^{[11]
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EXPERT TIP

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Aanand Geria is a board certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai, and the owner of Geria Dermatology based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Dr. Geria's work has been featured in Allure, The Zoe Report, NewBeauty, and Fashionista, and he has peer-reviewed work for the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Cutis, and Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. He holds a BS from the Penn State University and an MD from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. Dr. Geria then finished an internship at Lehigh Valley Health Network and a dermatology residency at the Howard University College of Medicine.

Aanand Geria, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Don’t schedule Botox injections right before an important event. Any time you put a needle in the skin, there’s a risk of bruising. If that happens, it can take up to 1–2 weeks to go away.

Section 6 of 9:

Is Traptox painful?

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Traptox uses small needles, and the injections are spaced along your trapezius muscle, which isn’t an especially sensitive area. However, some people do experience pain or discomfort during or after the injections.^{[12]
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Section 7 of 9:

Who is a good candidate for Traptox?

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Good candidates for Traptox have trapezius hypertrophy or mild neck tension. Trapezius hypertrophy just means that the trapezius muscles are overdeveloped, giving them a thick appearance and sometimes causing neck and shoulder pain or headaches. Hypertrophy can happen from exercise or from slouching over a phone or computer for long periods of time.^{[13]
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- If you have severe pain in your neck and shoulders, it’s a good idea to rule out any serious underlying causes first, like a herniated disk.

Section 8 of 9:

How much does Traptox cost?

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The average cost is around $1,200, but the cost can vary depending on where you live, how much Botox you need, and the medical professional you choose. This cost generally isn’t covered by insurance, and you may need to repeat the treatment several times a year to maintain results.^{[14]
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Section 9 of 9:

Bottom Line: Is Traptox right for me?

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Traptox may be a good option for a slimmer neckline or neck pain relief. However, it’s crucial to have Traptox administered by an experienced, reputable medical professional. They’ll be able to determine the precise dose and placement for your injections, which will help to minimize the risk of side effects like muscle pain and weakness.^{[15]
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- Board-certified dermatologist Aanand Geria, MD says that “the most qualified person to do a Botox injection is going to be a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist, because they receive standardized training.”^{[16]
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