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Why is #BarbieBotox trending on TikTok?

August 21, 2023

The neck- and shoulder-slimming procedure, popularized as ‘Barbie Botox,’ currently has over 9 million views on TikTok, with influencers like Isabelle Lux from Palm Beach, Florida, posting before and after images. However, some doctors caution against using it for non-medical reasons and express concerns that it may be administered by non-clinicians.

'Barbie Botox' refers to Botox injections into the neck and back in an effort to cause those muscle groups to atrophy. Clinically know as Trapezius Botox, or Trap Tox, the procedure was originally designed to relieve people suffering from intense neck pain and tension, improve posture, and relieve migraines (Dolan, 2023; Johnson, 2023).

While seemingly tied to the popularity of the Barbie movie, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported a 54.4% increase in minimally invasive procedures like Botox and fillers since 2017 (Dolan, 2023).

The procedure involves injecting about 40 units of onabotulinumtoxinA into each trapezius muscle. The Botox works by blocking the nerve signal that causes the muscles to become overworked (Dolan, 2023). It takes two weeks to see noticeable results and two months for the full effects to be apparent. Effects can then last four to six months, depending on the individual's metabolism and daily lifestyle routines (Johnson, 2023).

However, if administered incorrectly, or at the wrong dosage, the Botox could paralyze the muscle completely, say medical experts. The neurotoxin can also occasionally migrate from the original injection site, weakening the nerve connection of other surrounding muscles, and even affecting the ability to hold the head up properly (Dolan, 2023).

Dr. Anil Shah, a board-certified plastic surgeon says the trapezius muscles are “near vital respiratory and central nerve control centers—one of the few places that can lead to fatal outcomes in Botox,” and warns against going to unqualified injectors who aren’t board certified (Johnson, 2023).

TikTok content creator Isabelle Lux posted a video in mid-June—which now has more than a quarter million views—touting the benefits of trapezius Botox. Lux credits herself with inventing the phrase "Barbie Botox." "It came from the idea that you would look more like a Barbie when you get it done, which I don’t think is a bad thing,” she told CNN. “It elongates the neck, slims the shoulders and creates a very delicate physique when it’s done properly.” (Dolan, 2023).

The TikToker Lux says the $1,200 procedure—which is not covered by insurance—was gifted to her by a booking app for aesthetic appointments (Dolan, 2023).

Sources

Dolan, L. (2023, August 17). CNN. What is 'Barbie Botox,' TikTok's latest beauty obsession? https://www.cnn.com/style/what-is-barbie-botox/index.html

Johnson, A. (2023, August 18). Forbes. What to Know About New TikTok Beauty Trend 'Barbie Botox': From Effects to Cost. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ariannajohnson/2023/08/18/what-to-know-about-new-tiktok-beauty-trend-barbie-botox-from-effects-to-cost/?sh=33dab247db4f

Lux, I. (2023, August 19). TikTok. @isabelle.lux. https://www.tiktok.com/@isabelle.lux