Is TrapTox Safe? Two Dubai-Based Doctors Answer All Your Questions

TikTok can’t stop talking about the viral cosmetic procedure, that promises a modelesque neck with just a few units of Botox — but is it right for everyone?

It’s the new injectable craze that has been taking Beautytok by storm: Traptox. While using Botox on the body isn’t a new phenomenon in the world of aesthetics (doctors have been prescribing it to treat hyperhidrosis for years now, injecting it into sweaty palms and armpits), patients seeking the illusion of an elongated neck and a slimmer shoulders have started requesting that a few units be injected into their trapezius muscle.

@malibutoast Lmk your thoughts #botox #trapeziusbotox #selfimprovement ♬ original sound – Malibutoast

This muscle – which is located at the back of the neck, and extends down the back, and outwards, towards the shoulder blades – is responsible for the movement of the head, neck, arms, shoulders, and torso, stabalising the spine and supporting one’s posture; however, in an age where “tech neck” and chronic stress are very much a thing, we’ve become more conscious of this particular part of the body.

Carrying tension in one’s shoulders and neck is becoming the norm for those who work intense desk jobs, hunched over at computers for hours on end. And while there are many remedies for poor posture that don’t involve injectables (Pilates, yoga, and stretching all come to mind, along with taking regular breaks away from one’s desk), nobody is on the hunt for a quick fix like a TikTok content creator – some swearing Traptox is the only way to achieve the look they’re seeking out.

But is Traptox safe? And who is the best candidate for it? Like buccal fat removal and so many other trendy procedures that have taken the internet by storm, it’s best to err on the side of caution when considering quick cosmetic fixes.

Here, Bazaar Arabia speaks to two Dubai-based doctors, as they answer all our questions about Traptox.

TrapTox: Two Dubai-Based Doctors Answer All Our Questions

What is Traptox?

Effectively it’s the trapezius muscle being injected with Botox and was historically used to treat migraines. “The botulinum toxin is injected in one of the muscles, which is the trapezius muscle,” says Dr. Fazeela Abbasi, who is a Dermatologist at Euromed Clinic Dubai.

While it may seem like a fairly straightforward procedure for a doctor who has experience injecting facial muscles with Botox, not all clinics provide the service

“I don’t offer this as I believe this is a procedure best performed by neurologists,” says Dr. Dany Kayle, Founder of Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic Dubai – meaning those who seek out Traptox should ensure their healthcare provider is qualified and experienced to be injecting patients in that particular part of the body.

Who is the best candidate for Traptox?

Unfortunately, those seeking out a long, lean, and shoulders shouldn’t be looking at Traptox as a quick fix. The procedure was designed to provide patients who suffer from migraines with relief.

“I would only advocate its use if you suffer from migraines and headaches, and have tension in this area,” stresses Dr. Abbasi, who recommends getting a massage, going to an osteopath, or giving physiotherapy and acupuncture a try before opting for Traptox.

“If, however, you would like to get the muscles injected, then discuss it with the doctor and ensure that the muscles should not become too atrophic or weakened by the procedure,” says Dr. Abbasi.

“For migraines, and for the neck stiffness and tension, the maximum that I have injected in patients is 50 units, so 25 units on each side,” she notes, stressing how if a patient is looking to do Traptox solely for cosmetic reasons she would discourage them.

How long does Traptox last? 

“The Botulinum is going to last for about 3-4 months. But again, it depends on the kind of workouts you are doing and how quickly your body breaks down Botox,” notes Dr. Abbasi.

Is Traptox safe?

The short answer is, if necessary to treat a problem like migraines, yes; however, injecting the muscle with large quantities of Botox can be hazardous   

“The Traptox trend is gaining momentum not because there are patients suffering from migraines – and having the issue treated by Traptox – but rather because doctors who are performing the treatment are showing it on TikTok, that you can get a swan-like long narrow neck and sleek shoulders by injecting a lot of Botox in these muscles, which will make the muscle smaller,” notes Dr. Abbasi. “And yes, a medical professional such as myself might use Botox in the trapezius to relax the muscle to alleviate headaches or migraines, but never in an amount where I would paralyze it.”

“We have to understand that this muscle is there for a reason,” she says. “These kinds of muscles have a role to support your cervical spine and if an overdose of botox is given to the trapezius muscle, they may start to experience cervical instability, which can cause medical issues.”

Does getting Traptox hurt?

“It does not hurt at all. Sometimes patients do not even have to wear a numbing cream. It’s a very quick procedure. It takes about five minutes and it’s done by using a very tiny small needle,” notes Dr. Abbasi.

How much does Traptox cost in Dubai?

While prices may vary per doctor and clinic, Dr. Abbasi says a typical range of cost would be from 1500Dhs to 2000Dhs.

Speak thanks to Dr. Dany Kayle, Founder of Dr Kayle Aesthetic Clinic Dubai, and Dr Fazeela Abbasi, Dermatologist at Euromed Clinic Dubai.

Lead image courtesy of Jason Lloyd Evans (Alexis Mabille Autumn 2023 Couture Collection)