Trend Spotlight: Traptox

Sk:n clinics cosmetic doctor Dr Noreen Hashmi explains the new trending treatment to contributing reporter Becki Murray

WHAT IS 'TRAPTOX’?

‘Traptox’ involves the injection of botulinum toxin into the trapezius muscle to alleviate muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders, reducing pain. It can also be used to slim down the neckline and shoulders.

WHY IS IT TRENDING?

The neck has recently become an area of increased focus in aesthetics after discussions around ‘tech-neck’ garnered patient interest. ‘Tech-neck’ is pain and tension in the neck and shoulders, which has been linked to bad posture when using devices like mobile phones. There are also cosmetic concerns about whether such habits exacerbate the appearance of neck bulkiness and necklines. On social media, the trapezius muscle recently became a focal point too, after Kim Kardashian was accused of allegedly photoshopping her shoulder in an Instagram post, triggering a surge of interest in what aesthetic treatments are available, with the hashtag #traptox garnering over 2.3 million views.

HOW CAN ‘TRAPTOX’ BE UTILISED FOR PAIN RELIEF?

“Muscle relaxing injections block the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for muscle contractions, at the neuromuscular junction. In doing this, it temporarily paralyses the trapezius muscle, subsequently reducing muscle tension and stiffness,” reveals Dr Noreen Hashmi. For this reason, it can be used “to alleviate chronic pain, particularly in conditions like chronic neck pain, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndrome.”

HOW CAN ‘TRAPTOX’ BE UTILISED FOR SLIMMING?

“When injected into specific points within the trapezius muscle, muscle relaxing injections cause temporary muscle atrophy by inhibiting nerve cell communication,” continues Dr Hashmi. “As the treated muscle undergoes reduced activity, it shrinks over time, leading to a slimmer profile. For this reason, the procedure is particularly popular among individuals seeking a reduced trapezius muscle “bulk” for a more refined appearance.”

WHAT TECHNIQUES ARE USED?

“Injections are typically administered directly into the trapezius muscle at predetermined trigger points that have been identified as causing pain,” explains Dr Hashmi. Several small injections are needed, with a high degree of accuracy, so, it should be performed by trained, experienced injectors with certified medical knowledge of the trapezius and surrounding muscles. The quantity of neurotoxin used on each side should be personalised depending on the size and strength of the patient’s trapezius muscles.

HOW INSTANT AND LONG-LASTING ARE THE RESULTS?

“Pain relief can generally be observed within a week post-injection and can last for approximately three to six months,” says Dr Hashmi. As for slimming, “the effects typically last for an average of four to six months, after which repetition becomes necessary to maintain results.” For this reason, ‘traptox’ should be seen as a temporary solution for both neck appearance and pain, to be utilised as part of discussions about longer-term solutions for patients.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ADDING THIS TREATMENT TO YOUR PRACTICE?

‘Traptox’ is minimally invasive with limited downtime and is not reported as painful. Its multifaceted usage portfolio for both well-being and body slimming makes it a versatile tool to have in your treatment arsenal. “By addressing the trapezius muscle’s contribution to these conditions, botulinum toxin can offer long-lasting relief with minimal side effects, often improving patients’ quality of life,” affirms Dr Hasmi. The client base is likely to grow, with brides and grooms-to-be a particularly engaged interest group, aiming to look and feel their best on big photo occasions, before showcasing their before-and-after results online.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND THE DRAWBACKS?

Dr Hasmi has two concerns: patient satisfaction and safety. The treatment effect is temporary, with repeat injections necessary to maintain results, adding to potential expense. There is also a risk of it being ineffective, as it does not combat the cause of both pain and neck appearance, and, while the treatment can be used to treat tension-related pain, botulinum toxin has itself been linked to headaches post-injection. These considerations should be explained to potential clients at consultation.

Alongside common side effects like temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, there are also wider safety contraindications. Although rare, some patients may be unaware of an allergy to botulinum toxin or develop hypersensitivity. It’s also possible that infection can occur at the injection site if proper hygiene measures are not followed. If the needle placement or dosage is not correct, the neurotoxin could cause weakness or issues in unintended areas of muscles nearby, potentially causing difficulties with proper neck support and movement. This could extend to problems swallowing or speaking for the patient if those muscles are inadvertently affected. If the botulinum toxin is accidentally injected into the lungs, this can be a medical emergency as it could cause respiratory problems. For this reason, only qualified healthcare professionals should consider the addition of ‘traptox’ to their services.