Barbie Botox: Here's everything about the latest viral cosmetic trend
What's the story
Even a month after the release of the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie, people around the world are obsessing over it. And the latest Barbie botox trend on TikTok is proof. A cosmetic procedure based on the Barbie doll's body figure, this process involves getting injections to "slim down" one's neck and shoulders. The procedure has been widely popular on social media.
Treatment
What is the treatment all about?
The goal of this cosmetic procedure is to flatten the shoulders to provide the appearance of an elongated neck by injecting botulinum toxin (or a similar muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin) into the trapezius muscles or traps. Advocates claim that the process enables them to create a very delicate physique and generate a silhouette that is very similar to Mattel's Barbie dolls.
Social media
It is becoming popular on social media
The trend has been widely talked about on social media platforms, especially TikTok with people documenting and sharing their before and after looks of the cosmetic treatment. The hashtag #barbiebotox has reportedly surpassed close to a staggering seven million views on TikTok. Now the trend has slowly started to pick up on Instagram as well. Presently there is a high demand for the procedure.
Procedure
What happens during the process?
During the process, Botox is injected into the two big muscles that are positioned between the back of your neck and upper back. It is also injected across your shoulders and down to the midline of your spine. It momentarily immobilizes muscles to give off a smoother and younger appearance. Experts believe that this procedure is more effective when used on the neck.
Benefits
Potential medical benefits of the procedure
Traditionally known as TrapTox, this procedure is mostly used for medicinal purposes as it helps to relax trapezius muscles and improve posture. The treatment historically has been used for medical purposes, particularly in fields like pain management, neurology, and orthopedics. According to medical experts, the trapezius muscle is a muscle that's very easily overused, mainly due to a hunch or bad posture.
Approve
Safe if done the correct way, claims doctors
Due to its benefits, dermatologists claim the treatment to be safe. They say that it can only make a subtle difference in one's appearance. However, experts warn against overdosing on Botox because it could leave them unable to perform basic everyday tasks as the trap muscles, which are essential for basic movements, can become super weak.
Doctor
It is a way of sexualizing our bodies, says doctor
Dr. Parisha Acharya, the lead cosmetic doctor at London medical aesthetics clinic Waterhouse Young, has a difference of opinion and does not appreciate the trend for non-medical purposes. "It was very pro-feminism and (women) were moving away from sexualizing our bodies and thinking of them as just objects. We should embrace ourselves for who we are," told Dr. Acharya to CNN.