Botox for the Trapezius Muscle – Recontouring Your Neck and Shoulder Lines
A slim shoulder and neck line, together with well-defined collarbones are considered one of the most feminine and attractive features in a woman, which is why clothing exposing these features have always been popular fashion items. However, the reverse is also true, as well-developed trapezius muscles are often regarded as a masculine feature, and tend to look awkward in women.
If you think that your trapezius muscles are disproportionately large, you can consider Botox treatment to recontour your neck and shoulder lines for a more feminine frame.
What is the trapezius muscle?
The trapezius muscle, commonly referred to as the collar muscle, is the large diamond shaped muscle group connecting the lower neck, upper back and the shoulders. Its main function includes extending the neck and movement of the shoulders.
What is Botox?
Botox is the commercial name for Botulinum Toxin-A derived from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria that has muscle relaxing properties. It is arguably most well-known as an injectable to reduce wrinkles in aesthetics medicine, in addition to treating muscle disorders and spasms.
Why inject Botox into the trapezius muscle?
When injected into specific, well-spaced points on the trapezius, Botox can effectively relax key points in the muscle group, reducing tension in the muscle fibres. This treatment is known as the “Collarbone Injection” in South Korea, and have 2 main effects as listed below:
1. Contouring the shoulder and neck line
The most visible effects of Botox on the trapezius is to slim down and contour the shoulder and neck line. A large, well-defined trapezius is often considered a masculine feature, and is usually undesired in females. Disproportionately large trapezius muscles, especially in females, can make the shoulder line look awkward and unattractive. In addition, it also tends to make the neck appear shorter, and the face appear larger.
Botox injections can effectively relax and weaken overdeveloped trapezius muscles, reducing their perceived volume. This slims down the neck and shoulder line, which can in turn make the face appear smaller. Moreover, the relaxed trapezius can make the collarbones more visible and well defined. Overall, this leads to more attractive and feminine body frame.
2. Relieving stiffness and muscle pain in the lower neck and shoulders
In addition to the aesthetic effects, Botox can also effectively alleviate pain and stiffness in the lower neck and shoulders associated with the trapezius muscle. In general, most instances of neck and shoulder pain can be traced back to tense muscles. In this case, Botox injections partially paralyse the target muscle groups, releasing tension and stiffness in the trapezius, and can effectively sooth any associated pain and discomfort.
Treatment procedure
Botox treatment for the trapezius is straightforward. After a consultation session with our doctors to discuss your concerns and expectations, our doctors will mark out several strategic points on your trapezius and inject the required units of Botox into these points. The entire session will only take 10 to 30 minutes, and you can return to your daily activities immediately after.
FAQ
How long does the treatment take?
As with most other injectables, Botox treatment of the trapezius will take only about 10 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of injection sites.
Is the treatment painful?
As with most other injectables, some slight, but tolerable pain is to be expected. Anaesthesia is usually not required, but topical anaesthesia (numbing cream) can be applied if desired
Is there any downtime?
All Botox treatments have minimal to no downtime. You are usually able to resume daily activities immediately after the treatment.
There may be some redness and swelling immediately after the injection. However, this is usually not very noticeable and will subside within a few hours. Also, you may experience some mild soreness and muscle weakness in the area for a few days as the Botox begins to take effect.
When can I see results?
Slight results can be seen in about a week, with the best effects showing in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Are the effects permanent?
Most Botox treatments lasts for about 6 to 12 months depending on the individual conditions. However, if there are regular treatments once every 3 to 4 months for about 2 to 3 years, your trapezius muscles can become weakened permanently, and fewer subsequent treatments will be needed.
I am looking to reduce neck and shoulder pain, but I do not wish to alter my shoulder and neck line. Can I still opt for Botox?
It is possible to undergo Botox treatment for pain relieve with minimal changes to the appearance of the neck and shoulder lines. Do discuss this with our doctors during the consultation so they can adjust the injection points and number of Botox units accordingly.