Plastic surgeon weighs in on beauty trend ‘traptox’ – which sees women getting Botox in SHOULDERS

A plastic surgeon has weighed in on the popular new beauty trend known as ‘traptox,’ which has taken the internet by storm recently and involves women getting Botox injections in their trapezius muscles.

The treatment has gained immense attention online over the last few months, with tons of TikTok users from all over the globe giving it a go and sharing their results to the video streaming platform – and they can’t stop raving about it.

The process sees patients inserting botulinum toxin – AKA Botox – into the muscles that are located on the back of their shoulders, and many have vowed that it not only made them look ‘slimmer,’ but it also helped ease ‘tension’ and feel more ‘relaxed.’

Now, an expert has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com about whether or not the viral procedure is actually effective – as well as the risks behind it.

Before and after: The treatment has gained immense attention online over the last few months, with tons of TikTok users from all over the globe giving it a go and sharing their results

The process sees patients inserting Botox into the muscles located on the back of their shoulders, and many vowed that it not made them look ‘slimmer’ and helped ease ‘tension’

Now, an expert (seen) has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com about whether or not the viral procedure is actually effective – as well as the risks behind it

Dr. David Shafer, a New York-based double board certified plastic surgeon, explained that while most people associate Botox with ‘FDA approved areas like the crow’s feet, forehead, and frown lines of the upper face,’ there are many other places that can benefit from it.

Dr. David Shafer, a New York-based double board certified plastic surgeon, said: ‘Botox works by blocking the signal between the nerve and muscle. When injected into the trapezius muscle, the muscle shrinks from decreased stimulation, giving the neck a thinner, more contoured appearance’

‘Botox can be used almost anywhere,’ he explained. ‘A new trend is to inject the trapezius muscles in the posterior neck.

‘Botox works by blocking the signal between the nerve and muscle. When injected into the trapezius muscle, the muscle shrinks from decreased stimulation, giving the neck a thinner, more contoured appearance.’ 

According to the doctor, wanting to change their appearance is not the only reason people undergo the treatment.

‘The main use is for aesthetic reasons to help the contour of the neck. However, Botox can also be used to target muscle pain or trigger points, which gives patients significant relief,’ he added. 

When it comes to potential dangers and side effects, Dr. Shafer said the risks are ‘minimal.’

He shared: ‘In fact, as far as medications go, Botox Cosmetic is one of the safest treatments and most effective treatments that someone can have.

‘Additionally, Botox lasts three to five months, so if a person does not like the results (which is rare), it is not a permanent effect and they will go back to their baseline. 

The ‘traptox’ hashtag on TikTok has more than 128.5 million views and is filled with hundreds of clips shared by patients and beauticians alike 

One woman, named Stacie Loidolt, went viral earlier this week after she revealed she had gotten ‘traptox’ ahead of her upcoming wedding 

The bride-to-be, from Denver, Colorado, explained that she’s going to be wearing a strapless dress for the big day, and wanted to ensure that her shoulders looked perfect

‘However, it’s more common for patients to come back and say, “I love the result. Where else can we inject Botox?”‘

PlasticSurgery.com reported that there are a few complications that can arise when getting the injections, including bruising and pain at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, headache, nausea, redness, and temporary facial weakness or drooping.

Despite praising ‘traptox,’ Dr. Shafer warned against getting swept up in popular beauty trends that you see on the internet, and reminded people to ‘do their homework’ before undergoing any cosmetic procedures.

‘It’s important for patients to not be swayed by “Insta-famous” or savvy Instagram doctors who may be good at marketing, but not so skilled with injecting,’ he said. 

‘It is good advice to seek a board certified plastic surgeon or board certified dermatologist.’

The ‘traptox’ hashtag on TikTok has more than 128.5 million views and is filled with hundreds of clips shared by patients and beauticians alike. 

Another TikToker, named Michelle Schimanski, from New Zealand, also gained a lot of traction online when she admitted that she too had tried out the new beauty trend

‘I just got Botox in my traps and I’m so excited for it to kick in,’ she explained . ‘It’s meant to help with posture and unevenness. I have such raised traps, [and mine are] super uneven’

Many beauticians have gushed over the process on the video streaming app, while sharing some of the benefits that can come with it

One woman, named Stacie Loidolt, went viral earlier this week after she revealed she had gotten ‘traptox’ ahead of her upcoming wedding.

‘Botox can effectively relax key points in the muscle group, reducing tension and pain, and contouring the neck and shoulders,’ a medical spa in San Diego wrote in a video

The bride-to-be, from Denver, Colorado, explained that she’s going to be wearing a strapless dress for the big day, and wanted to ensure that her shoulders looked perfect.

‘The most controversial cosmetic thing I’m getting done for my wedding in September is Botox, and I’m not talking a little sprinkle [on my face]m I’m talking trap Botox,’ the bride-to-be, from Denver, Colorado, revealed in the TikTok.

‘I don’t want to hear these arguments, “Your traps aren’t that big, no one’s gonna notice, no one’s gonna care, it’s a waste of money.” 

‘If the option is on the table for me to delete my traps from the equation with my strapless dress on my wedding day, I am taking that option all day.’

Another TikToker, named Michelle Schimanski, from New Zealand, also gained a lot of traction online when she admitted that she too had tried out the new beauty trend.

The price for the treatment ranges depending on what city you’re in, but it can cost an upwards of $1,050 for one session. One patient is seen before (left) and after (right) the injections

Lina Colleli, an aesthetic injector from Arlington, Virginia, said in another TikTok , ‘It can relieve upper shoulder tension and create the appearance of a slimmer/elongated neck’

Lina recommends you get 40-50 units per side, which should last four to six months

‘I just got Botox in my traps and I’m so excited for it to kick in. I have been wanting to get it done for literally months now,’ she explained.

‘It’s meant to help with posture and unevenness. I have such raised traps, more-so on one side than the other, it’s super uneven. Whenever I put my shoulder back, they’re so round because my traps are so tight. I’ll keep you guys updated.

‘When injected into the trapezius, Botox can effectively relax key points in the muscle group, reducing tension and pain, and contouring the neck and shoulders,’ a medical spa in San Diego, called Beauty Lounge, wrote in a video.

Lina Colleli, an aesthetic injector from Arlington, Virginia, said in another TikTok, ‘It can relieve upper shoulder tension and create the appearance of a slimmer/elongated neck. It also helps with posture.’

She recommended getting 40-50 units per side, explaining that you should see results in four to six weeks and will feel ‘relief’ in only two weeks.

As for the price of the treatment, it ranges depending on what city you’re in, but it can cost an upwards of $1,050 for one session.