Botox In The Trapezius Muscle Can Provide A Slimmer Shoulder Look

TrapTox (sometimes referred to as “Shoulder Slimming Botox”) is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting Botox into the trapezius muscle in an effort to achieve a leaner upper frame and relieve the appearance of a “hunchback.” This unique technique has gained popularity for its ability to target and relax the muscles responsible for a bulkier, more pronounced and sculpted shoulder appearance.

Why Has TrapTox Gained Popularity? 

This treatment has seen a recent increase in demand since gaining viral notoriety on TikTok. Users create before and after videos showcasing their individual 3 – 4-week journey. These users often boast positive results along with their rationale for opting for this treatment, ranging from nerve pain management to a smaller and more feminine appearance. 

How Does TrapTox Work?

The TrapTox technique uses botulinum toxin (Botox) to selectively relax and slim down the muscles in the shoulder region. By injecting Botox into specific muscle groups, TrapTox aims to reduce the prominence of shoulder muscles, resulting in a more refined and elegant appearance.

This non-surgical approach offers an alternative to traditional methods, such as invasive surgeries or restrictive dieting for those seeking a more delicate shoulder contour.

What Happens At A TrapTox Appointment?

The Initial Consultation 

Everything begins with an initial consultation to ensure that you qualify for this treatment. Together, you and your provider will explore your medical history, discuss your goals and establish expectations. 

Based on your candidacy, anatomy and desired outcome, the provider will establish a tailored TrapTox treatment plan for you. The plan includes the targeted muscle groups, recommended dosage, and an overview of the expected results.

The Botox Injection Session 

During the in-office treatment session, the provider will administer Botox injections directly into the identified shoulder muscles in concurrence with your custom treatment plan. The injections are strategically placed to selectively slim down the muscles responsible for the bulkier appearance.

The procedure is typically quick, with minimal discomfort reported by most patients.

Recovery & Results 

Following TrapTox treatment, patients can resume their daily activities without significant downtime. It is common to experience mild redness, swelling or bruising at the injection sites, which usually subsides on its own within a few days. You should avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol and caffeine for the first 24 – 48 hours after your session to ensure the most efficient recovery. 

The effects of TrapTox gradually manifest over several weeks, with optimal results becoming noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks.

TrapTox Results: Considerations & What To Expect

• This is a temporary treatment: TrapTox results are not permanent and typically last between 4 to 6 months. To maintain the desired shoulder slimming effects, individuals may need periodic touch-up sessions. However, some patients are able to preserve their results for longer periods of time due to lifestyle changes. 
• Every body is different: The physical response to TrapTox can vary among individuals due to differences in muscle anatomy and metabolism. It is essential to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes with a qualified injector during your consultation.
• Safety & expertise considerations: TrapTox is an advanced injection technique and should only be performed by experienced healthcare professionals who are well-versed in administering Botox. Ensuring the provider’s qualifications and adherence to safety protocols is crucial to mitigate risks and achieve desirable outcomes.

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About The Author

Claire Hinkle, PA-C, is an expert aesthetic treatment provider at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. She specializes in a variety of nonsurgical treatments, including fillers, laser therapy and Botox injections. Claire combines her calming bedside manner with her passion for learning the latest concepts in the industry to improve the confidence of her patients on a daily basis. She currently performs TrapTox in Columbus, Ohio.

Answers To The Common Question: Can I Work Out After Botox? 

Exercise after Botox — among other strenuous activities — should be avoided for at least 6 hours after treatment. Our providers recommend abstaining from intense exercise for 24 hours after Botox injections. This gives the neuromodulator an opportunity to settle into place and the skin gets enough time to heal.

If a patient insists on exercising on the same day as the treatment, we urge them to keep the intensity low. A brisk walk to get the heart rate up or yoga poses can be OK, but the patient should abstain from sweating as much as possible. Following this recommendation for at least a day can prolong cosmetic results.

“The earliest stage after your session is important. If you’re going straight from our office to the gym for a high-intensity workout, there’s potential that you will run through the Botox faster. We want you to get as long as you can out of your treatment!”

– Claire Hinkle, PA-C

What Else Should I Avoid After Botox? (Up To 24 Hours) 

• Direct sunlight
• Other forms of heat exposure, including hots, saunas and tanning beds (up to 48 hours after) 
• Touching the treated area 
• Exfoliating washes 
• Facial treatments, including facials, massages, permanent makeup
• Wearing hats or any coverings that come in direct contact with the treated area
• Alcohol (24 hours before and after treatment)*

*Alcohol can potentiate any natural bruising that occurs and negatively impact the healing process

Does Exercise Impact The Longevity Of Botox Results?

Yes. While the longevity of Botox varies from person to person, routine sweating can shorten the lifespan of results. Greater circulation to the face that comes with rigorous exercise, along with increased light abrasions (like wiping away sweat) can cause the body to metabolize the material faster. 

Coincidentally, Botox can also be used to treat Hyperhidrosis (or “Excessive Sweating”). By blocking the nerve signals responsible for sweating, the sweat glands’ ability to produce too much sweat is throttled but not completely cut off.

How Long Do Botox Results Typically Last? 

Full Botox results can take up to 2 weeks to take full effect and should last until about the 8 – 10 week mark when you start to see minor movement returning. If movement comes back, this can be related to stress, exercise or your body’s natural metabolism. Your best results are maintained if you consistently retreat with Botox. We advise patients to prebook their next appointment in 12 weeks to ensure they stay on an optimal schedule.  

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About The Author

Claire Hinkle, PA-C, is a renowned aesthetic provider at Donaldson Plastic Surgery who specializes in Botox injections and lip filler. With rich experience in both nonsurgical procedures and post-surgical recovery, she brings a truly holistic approach to the cosmetic treatments she performs each day. Claire strives to help patients safely achieve their desired results — and to hold onto those results even longer. 

The Benefits Of Adding Platelet-Rich Plasma To Your Next Skin Treatment 

Laser therapies (like Halo, BBL, skin resurfacing and acne scar reduction) have proven effective for patients seeking advanced skincare solutions that go beyond an over-the-counter product. We’re going to dig deeper into the benefits of adding PRP for laser treatments to a session, along with how this upgrade can improve the overall patient experience by reducing the recovery period, improving aesthetic results and bolstering those amazing results.

What Is Cosmetic PRP? 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular addition to aesthetic skin treatments due to its ability to naturally enhance the healing process and improve overall cosmetic outcomes. PRP involves using the patient’s own blood to extract nutrient-rich platelets, which are then concentrated and injected back into the body or placed onto the skin after the treatment is completed.

PRP has been successfully used in various medical fields, including sports medicine, sexual wellness, orthopedics and hair restoration, and is now being incorporated into laser skin treatments. 

“The PRP is all the good stuff — all of the growth factors that stimulate collagen production, promote cell growth, efficiently repair the micro-injuries made during the treatment and help those results really shine after the recovery process.”

-Claire Hinkle, PA-C

Growth Factors Found In Platelet-Rich Plasma: 

• Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
• Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EFG)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)
• Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)

What Treatments Can Benefit From PRP? 

• Halo laser skin resurfacing
• diVaTyte 
• Microneedling 
• Morpheus8 skin tightening
• Post-surgery scar reduction 

Does PRP Reduce The Recovery Time For Laser Treatments? 

Yes. Recent research indicates that properly timed PRP usage can aid in cell regeneration and wound repair processes after laser treatments and microneedling. It can also minimize adverse symptoms, including erythema, edema and crusting.

Does PRP Improve Laser Treatment Results?

Yes. Limited studies have shown that fractional carbon dioxide lasers, combined with platelet-rich plasma treatments, resulted in a significant increase in patient satisfaction with their cosmetic results, specifically when it comes to combatting photoaging and treating wrinkles. 

Can It Preserve Those Results Longer? 

There is not much in the way of published academic studies when it comes to PRP’s effect on the longevity of results. However, our providers have seen, first-hand, longer-lasting positive outcomes when PRP was added to treatment. This could be due to the plasma’s healing properties and growth factors, but this could also be correlated with patients who are more dedicated to their skincare regimen and tend to strictly adhere to post-treatment protocols designed to preserve results. 

How Long After A Laser Treatment Is PRP Added?

For maximum efficacy, providers apply platelet-rich plasma to the treated area and massaged it into the skin almost immediately after the treatment is completed. The PRP is left to sit for about 20 minutes. A soothing balm may then be applied to help reduce swelling and improve comfort.

Patients Should Avoid PRP If They’ve Been Diagnosed With:

• Skin cancer in the desired treatment area
• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis C
• Blood cancer
• Any cardiovascular disease that requires blood thinners 

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About The Author

Claire Hinkle, PA-C is an esteemed aesthetic provider at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. Her nonsurgical specializations include laser skin therapies, Botox and filler injections. Claire has spent more than 7 years immersed in the world of plastic surgery and head and neck surgery recovery, assisting thousands of patients through this vulnerable time in their lives. With her rich history in the postoperative experience, she aims to help even more patients recover faster and bolster their cosmetic outcomes.