Trap Tox

Are you dealing with pain and tension in the neck and shoulders? Or, would you like to achieve slimmer, more feminine-looking shoulders and an elongated neck? If your answer to either of these questions is yes, you may want to consider the popular trend called “trap tox,” which utilizes neurotoxin treatments like Botox and Dysport to both alleviate pain and provide certain aesthetic benefits.

What Is Trap Tox?

Trap tox is a popular cosmetic and medical treatment in which a neurotoxin is injected into the trapezius muscle. One common purpose of the treatment is to alleviate pain and tension in the neck and shoulders. Many patients are also turning to trap tox for aesthetic reasons; when injected into the trapezius muscle, these neurotoxins can give the shoulders a slimmer appearance and elongate the neck.

How Does Trap Tox Work?

Treatments like Botox and Dysport are made with a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin type A. When this neurotoxin is injected into the trapezius muscle, it temporarily blocks communication between the nerves and the muscle. This prevents the muscle from contracting, which can alleviate pain and tension in the area. Additionally, the neurotoxin causes mild atrophy of the trapezius muscle, which can create the slimming effect that many patients seek.

Benefits of Trap Tox

Trap tox treatment can offer several significant benefits, including:

Alleviates pain around the shoulders and neck
Reduces muscle tension
Creates a slimming effect in the shoulders
Can make the shoulders appear less masculine
Elongates the appearance of the neck
Improved ability to complete physical tasks without discomfort
Improved ability to exercise and participate in athletics
Improved self-confidence and self-image
Can alleviate headaches and muscle spasms
Minimally invasive treatment
Little to no recovery downtime

What Should I Expect During the Treatment?

Before your trap tox treatment, you’ll sit down for a consultation with Dr. Leong or one of our other providers. They will discuss the treatment with you, answer any questions you have, and ask you about what you’re hoping to achieve with the procedure. If it turns out that you’re a good candidate for trap tox, your provider will put together a personalized treatment plan for your procedure.

Your trap tox treatment will be a quick and simple outpatient procedure performed right at our med spa. First, you’ll have a topical anesthetic applied to your skin around the trapezius muscle. Your injector professional will then use a very fine needle to inject your chosen neurotoxin into the muscle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it shouldn’t be too painful. In total, your trap tox treatment should only take around 10 to 20 minutes, and you can return home as soon as it’s finished.

How Long Is the Recovery Time?

Recovery downtime is typically minimal after trap tox treatment. You’ll be given thorough aftercare instructions to ensure that you heal properly. For example, you’ll need to avoid rubbing or scratching your injection sites, and you should not apply any hot or cold compress to the area for at least 24 hours. You will most likely be able to return to work and your normal routine immediately after your treatment, but you should wait at least 24 hours to participate in strenuous exercise.

Am I a Candidate for Trap Tox?

Adults looking to alleviate neck and shoulder pain or achieve slimmer shoulders could be good candidates for trap tox. To be an ideal candidate for the treatment, you should:

Be in generally good physical health
Be experiencing neck and/or shoulder pain and tension
Have the desire for slimmer, less masculine shoulders
Have no active skin infections near the treatment area
Have no allergies to botulinum toxin type A
Have realistic expectations for the procedure

Woman walking down the street, looking over her shoulder

What Are the Side Effects?

Neurotoxins like Botox and Dysport can cause certain side effects in some patients. The most common side effects of trap tox treatment include:

Pain
Bruising
Swelling
Redness
Muscle weakness
Headache
Flu-like symptoms

In rare cases, the neurotoxin can spread to other areas of the body and cause a serious condition called botulism. It’s important to seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Trouble swallowing, breathing, or speaking
Severe muscle weakness
Vision changes
Allergic reaction

How Long Will It Take To See Results After Trap Tox Treatment?

Usually, you can start to notice the positive effects of your trap tox treatment in only two to four days. However, it typically takes between 10 and 14 days for the final results to become apparent. On average, the effects of trap tox treatment will last for around four to six months before they begin to fade, at which time a follow-up treatment will be needed to maintain the improvements.

Why Choose Sistine Aesthetics for Your Trap Tox Treatment?

When you go with Sistine Aesthetics for your trap tox treatment, you’ll be under the expert care of Dr. Leong and our team of dedicated aesthetic professionals. At Sistine Aesthetics, we prioritize state-of-the-art cosmetic treatments, patient health and safety, and consistently high-quality results. Our staff members are empathetic and compassionate, and they go the extra mile to ensure that every patient has a comfortable, stress-free experience. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, simply contact us today.