The Good and the Bad of the Barbie Botox Trend aka Traptox
What does Barbie Botox do?
The Barbie Botox treatment, also known as Traptox, has been trending in social media after the release of the recent Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie. The Barbie Botox treatment involves the injection of Botox into the trapezius muscle located in the upper back, which has attachments to the back of the skull, the top of the collar bone, as well as the upper back. Injecting Botox into this region causes these muscles to relax resulting in an elongated neck.
Treatment of the muscles in this area requires a sophisticated understanding of the complex mechanics of the neck and shoulder and should not be done by people without this knowledge.
“Barbie Botox” has long been used to Alleviate Chronic Pain
While the name of this trending treatment is new, the use of injecting Botox into this muscle is not. Botox can be used for many medical applications in addition to aesthetic ones. It has been used to alleviate chronic pain such as muscle tension in the neck, migraines, teeth grinding, and spasms. However, Botox is not a long-term solution for chronic pain-related issues, and addressing the cause of the pain with a medical professional is still warranted.
Be Cautious of Plastic Surgery Trends
When it comes to Barbie Botox, some people can achieve their goal, but patient selection is important. Not all treatments render the same result in each patient, so it’s important to be careful when it comes to beauty trends. Furthermore, Botox injections are considered a medical procedure and should be done only by a certified professional with an initial medical consultation. Remember, Botox relaxes muscles by stopping the connection to the nerve which causes the muscle to atrophy and weaken over time. Weakening muscles in the neck and arms for an aesthetic goal can be risky because these are imperative for body balance and coordination. Overdoing it, or worse, getting injected by an inexperienced or unlicensed professional can have dangerous consequences. Social media influencers often have ulterior motives and are not a good source of medical information.
Barbie Is Beautiful, but So Are You
Lastly, we need to remind ourselves that there is no single standard for beauty. Yes, Barbie represents a type of idealized beauty, but women, and especially younger women, mustn’t go to unrealistic or harmful lengths to obtain a perceived notion of beauty that can jeopardize one’s health. We are all beautiful in our own, unique way and we should embrace our features and identities wholeheartedly. Of course, in plastic surgery and medical aesthetics, we help patients who want to restore and rejuvenate their appearance. Patients feel a restored sense of vitality after a surgical or aesthetic procedure and that boost of confidence can transcend and improve many other aspects of one’s life in addition to their appearance.
At the Whole Beauty® Institute, we are committed to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals and feel like the best versions of themselves with ethical guidance and superior care.
Our Chicago-based Whole Beauty® Institute team can explain more about the latest trends in cosmetic procedures and help you find which treatment option is best for you. Call us at 312-751-2112 (Chicago Gold Coast Office) or 847-446-7562 (North Shore (Winnetka) Office), or submit a contact form to request a consultation.