Barbie’s influence is still going strong, encouraging women to make changes to their bodies to resemble her iconic figure. The trend known as “Barbie Botox,” or traptox, has recently gained popularity on TikTok after the release of the blockbuster film “Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig, which has surpassed $1 billion in global box office earnings.
The procedure itself, which has been available at aesthetician offices even before the film’s release, involves injecting Botox between the neck and shoulder to relax the trapezius muscles and alleviate tension. The cosmetic benefits of this treatment include a slimmer neckline, a smoother silhouette, and a smaller upper body frame, resembling the proportions of the Mattel doll. The hashtag #BarbieBotox has garnered over 6.7 million views on TikTok, with women sharing their before-and-after photos after trying the procedure.
Isabelle Lux, a beauty and lifestyle social media influencer, was one of the first to use the term “Barbie Botox” to describe the procedure. She underwent the injection in mid-June for both vanity reasons and to alleviate physical discomfort in her shoulders, neck, and upper back. Lux has experienced positive results, feeling lighter and less tense since the treatment.
Dr. Johnny Franco, a plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, has seen a significant increase in demand for traptox since its TikTok popularity. He explains that injecting Botox into the trapezius muscle relaxes it, resulting in a more visible neck and a longer, slimmer appearance similar to Barbie. On average, about 100 units of Botox are used for this procedure.
Trapezius Botox injections have been used not only for cosmetic purposes but also to treat patients with migraines and neck tension. Patients usually experience tension relief within one to two weeks after the injections, and the slimming effect becomes noticeable around two months later.
Although the procedure is effective, it comes with a hefty price tag. Dr. Anthony M. Rossi, a dermatologist in New York City, estimates that each session can cost over $1,000, depending on the location and the number of units used. Most patients typically undergo Barbie Botox twice a year due to the temporary effects of the treatment.
The high cost of “Barbie Botox” has deterred many potential patients, according to Michelle Balbi, a certified registered nurse practitioner. She explains that while the average woman spends around $300 on Botox for their face at the age of 28, Barbie Botox starts at around $1,100. This significant price difference limits access to the procedure for many individuals.
The emergence of “Barbie Botox” and other aesthetic trends related to the Barbie film, such as #BarbieShoulders and #BarbieArms, has raised questions about the body-positive messaging of the movie. While the film strives to address unrealistic body standards imposed on women and girls, these trends seem contradictory. Barbie has long been criticized for perpetuating unrealistic body ideals, and “Barbie Botox” continues this tradition by promoting an aesthetic fix to attain Barbie-like proportions.
Experts, such as Samantha DeCaro, the director of clinical outreach and education at The Renfrew Center, warn that exposure to these images can negatively impact body image and reinforce the desire for thinness. They acknowledge the movie’s good intentions but believe that it may have inadvertently fostered fixation and attempts to “fix” perceived flaws.
However, Catherine Lockhart, a content creator who documented her experience with Barbie Botox on TikTok, believes that discussions around body image and cosmetic procedures are complex. She has noticed that most videos focus on the tension relief aspect rather than the slimming effect. Lockhart personally experienced improved shoulder tension but did feel weaker at the gym due to the reduced use of her trapezius muscles. She appreciates the transparency surrounding beauty treatments and believes that individuals should have the choice to pursue procedures that align with their personal preferences.
In conclusion, Barbie’s influence remains strong, leading to the popularity of “Barbie Botox” and other aesthetic trends. While these trends raise questions about body image and the messaging of the Barbie film, they also encourage open conversations about beauty treatments and individual choices.
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