Barbie Botox is a cosmetic procedure that involves injecting botulinum toxin, or Botox, into the trapezius muscles of the upper back to treat migraines and shoulder pain. The procedure is also known as trap Botox. The procedure is not new, but it has gained popularity on social media recently, with the hashtag Barbie Botox having over 7 million views on TikTok. The name Barbie Botox comes from the idea that the procedure can make the neck look slimmer and more contoured, similar to the appearance of a Barbie doll.

The procedure is not suitable for everyone, and medical experts caution that it should be treated as a medical procedure. The procedure is temporary, lasting about six months, and the body recognizes Botox as a toxin, which is cleared over time. Once the Botox stops working, the nerve connection allows the muscle to move more, and the muscle starts to build back up.

Medical experts are concerned about the trend of Barbie Botox on social media, especially as it captures the attention of a much younger audience. The aesthetics industry is unregulated in the UK, and anyone can administer botulinum toxin injections, including beauticians or hairdressers with no clinical experience or anatomy knowledge.

In terms of aesthetics, trapezius Botox works via disuse atrophy or controlled shrinking of the superior border of the trapezius muscle. This creates an elongated, swan-like appearance of the shoulder to neck junction, hence the nickname Barbie Botox.

Overall, medical experts caution that the procedure should be treated as a medical procedure, and patients should manage their expectations. The procedure is not suitable for everyone, and it is temporary, lasting about six months.