“Side effects are more likely to occur if [mistakenly] injected outside of the traps, like the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is involved in turning the head side to side,” says Dr. Fromowitz. “In these cases, you might have weakness in this muscle.” Shoulder weakness may also occur, he says, from over-injection of the trap, which is why your doctor may take a conservative approach in determining how many units you need to get neck-lengthening results without adverse effects.
Patients with pre-existing medical conditions should make their injector aware of them. “If you’re prone to muscle weakness and have any autoimmune conditions that affect your musculature, I would approach cautiously,” Dr. Idriss says, adding that you may experience weakness when lifting heavy objects.
It’s worth noting that traptox is an off-label treatment, meaning it’s not an FDA-approved usage for neuromodulators. That’s why it’s particularly important to go to a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon when seeking out the treatment for cosmetic purposes.
How long does it take to see traptox results?
If you’re used to getting Botox to relax wrinkles, you’re probably accustomed to seeing its effects kick in within a couple of weeks. But with traptox, you may need more patience. “Neuromodulators take anywhere from one to two weeks to kick in,” Dr. Idriss says, “but because the muscle is larger in size, it may require up to four weeks to visibly see a difference.” That said, if you’re also seeking out headache and tension alleviation, she adds that the majority of people “will see results in terms of pain relief first as you can physically feel the difference versus analyzing the aesthetics.”
As for the duration of the results, Dr. Fromowitz says it varies from patient to patient, but you can expect them to last about the same amount of time as brow Botox: three to four months.
That is, of course, if you even get the results you’re seeking. Some patients may not get the noticeable or quick outcome they’re hoping for from traptox, and this could be due to a variety of factors.
The promise of a longer-looking neck may sound appealing to those with kyphosis, a forward curvature of the upper spine — casually known as a hunchback — but unfortunately, traptox is unlikely to make a difference in its appearance. “Botox injections are not considered a standard or effective treatment for correcting spinal curvature or managing kyphosis,” Dr. Idriss explains. “Treatment for kyphosis typically involves a combination of physical therapy, exercises, and bracing. In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgical intervention may be considered to correct the spinal curvature and stabilize the spine.”
