Shoulder Slimming
with
Botulinum Toxin
When people think of botulinum toxin, facial areas such as the forehead, frown lines and crow’s feet often come to mind. But botulinum toxin can also be used in another area that is becoming increasingly discussed in aesthetic medicine: the trapezius muscles.
Often referred to as “Trap Tox,” this treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin into the upper trapezius muscles to temporarily reduce their activity. It may be considered for people whose upper trapezius muscles are particularly prominent or enlarged, creating a more elevated or bulky appearance around the neck and shoulders.
Importantly, Trap Tox is not a fat-reduction treatment. It works on muscle activity and muscle size, rather than removing fat.

What Are the Trapezius Muscles?
The trapezius is a large, triangular muscle extending across the upper back and neck to the shoulders. It helps with movements such as shrugging and rotating the shoulder blades, while also contributing to posture and stability.
The upper portion of the trapezius can become more prominent for different reasons, including muscle development, repetitive physical activity and individual anatomy.
When the muscle is relatively bulky, it can contribute to the visual appearance of a shorter or more elevated neck and a more pronounced shoulder line.
In simple terms:
Botulinum toxin → reduced nerve-to-muscle signalling → reduced muscle activity → gradual reduction in muscle bulk
This is why Trap Tox is fundamentally different from treatments designed to reduce fat.


What Can You Expect From the Treatment?
Trap Tox does not physically remove or dissolve muscle immediately. Instead, the botulinum toxin gradually reduces activity in the targeted muscle. Changes in muscle contour therefore develop progressively rather than appearing immediately after injection.
The exact degree and duration of change can vary depending on factors such as:
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Muscle size and anatomy
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The amount of botulinum toxin used
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Injection technique and placement
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Individual response to treatment
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Physical activity and muscle use
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Whether the treatment is repeated
Why Injection Technique Matters
The trapezius is a large and functionally important muscle, so Trap Tox is not simply a matter of injecting several points across the shoulder. This is why assessment of the muscle's anatomy, thickness and treatment area is important before deciding where and how much botulinum toxin to administer. Treatment needs to be done by a certified aesthetic doctor.
Does Trap Tox Weaken the Shoulders?
The trapezius contributes to shoulder movement and stability, so treatment needs to balance aesthetic objectives with preservation of normal muscle function. The treatment area, dose and injection technique should be individualised according to the patient's anatomy and objectives.
Who May Consider Trap Tox?
Trap Tox may be considered for someone who has prominent upper trapezius muscle bulk and is interested in changing the appearance of the neck and shoulder contour.
HOW?
Trap Tox uses botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin that temporarily reduces communication between motor nerves and the targeted muscle.
RESULTS
After an injection, it takes approximately 3 to 7 days for botulinum toxin to take effect. The full results last between 3 to 6 months before muscles slowly begin to return. After repeated botulinum toxin treatments, the treated muscles tend to atrophy so the effects tend to last longer.
PAIN?
A small amount of botulinum toxin is directly injected into select muscles using a very fine needle. Generally, the treatment takes about 10-20 minutes. Patients may feel a quick sting but discomfort is minimal and brief.
FIND US AT
ORCHARD TONG BUILDING
302 ORCHARD ROAD
#05-01 , Singapore 238862
+65 6737 4964 / 9465 4544
JURONG EAST JEM
50 JURONG GATEWAY RD. JEM #04-19
SINGAPORE 608549
+65 66944448 |92329006