Greta Gerwig’s film with Margot Robbie in the title role of Barbie made history as the highest-grossing work by a female director, garnering over $1 billion worldwide. And it’s not just bringing Barbie-branded merchandise to a wider audience — since the film’s release, #BarbieBotox has become the newest cosmetic craze sweeping social media, with over 4.4 million views.
After all, Barbie is more than just a fashion icon; she is “everything” — beautiful, successful, and empowered. ‘Barbie Botox’ involves injecting the trapezius muscles with botulinum toxin or a comparable muscle-paralyzing neurotoxin to flatten the shoulders and create the illusion of a longer neck. According to experts,Trapezius Botox, the original name for Barbie Botox, has been used to treat a variety of medical concerns in fields such as neurology, pain management and orthopaedics. Dr. Rashmi Shetty, celebrity dermatologist, author and entrepreneur, says, botulinum toxin, or botox, is injected between the neck and shoulder to partially relax the trapezius muscles and relieve pain. “The trapezius muscle is very easily overused in our society for a number of reasons,” says Dr. Rashmi.
“Botox helps alleviate some of the pain. She adds, “The muscle bulks up at the base of the neck,making it appear shorter.” She draws attention to two critical factors — One,the muscle doesn’t work on its own, so when botox is injected, the platysmal bands are knocked off, which results in abetter face-neck angle and adds length to the neck. The masseters are also impacted, she says, which adds to the illusion of a longer neck. Dr. Rashmi also sounds a warning note: “Keep in mind that if you do deep injections and use a lot of units, it may interfere with your shoulder function and your ability to pick up weights or anything, so be very careful about how many units you use and don’t look for cheap deals,” she says.
HOW IT WORKS
â- The injection of small amounts of botulinum toxin, such as Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau, Daxxify, or Xeomin, is injected into and beneath the skin.
â- Injecting Botox into the Masseter and platysma muscles results in a slimmer, heart-shaped lower face and snatched jaw-line.
â- Barbie Botox administered to the trapezius muscles makes the neck appear longer and more slender.
Growing popularity
Barbie Botox has become increasingly popular in recent years, due in part to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, according to Dr.Sravya C Tipirneni, Consultant Dermatologist,Cosmetologist & Trichologist at Manipal Hospitals. Videos tagged #barbiebotox have garnered over 4 mil-lion views on the platform. This trend is likely being driven by a number of factors, including:
â- The popularity of the Barbie doll, which has long been a symbol of beauty and perfection.
â- The desire for instant gratification — Barbie Botox is a quick and easy way to achieve a desired aesthetic change.
â- The impact of social media influencers. Many TikTokers and other social media influencers have shared videos of their Barbie Botox experiences, which may be encouraging others to try it.
Risks
As with any cosmetic procedure,there are some risks associated with Barbie Botox, according to Dr. Tipirneni. These include:
â- Allergic reaction to Botox
â- Bruising and swelling at the injection site
â- Muscle weaknes
Ideal candidate
Barbie Botox is typically most effective for people who have naturally broad shoulders and a short neck. “It is also a good option for people who are looking for a quick and easy way to achieve a more youthful appearance. However, it is important to note that Barbie Botox is not a permanent solution. The effects of the treatment typically last for 3-6 months, after which the muscles will regain their strength and the appearance of the neck will return to normal,” says Dr Tipirneni.
ALTERNATIVES TO BARBIE BOTOX
Dr Tipirneni lists a number of alternatives to Barbie Botox, including:
â- EXERCISE: Strengthening the upper back muscles can help reduce the breadth of shoulders and make the neck look longer.
â- WEIGHT LOSS: Losing weight can help slim down the shoulders and neck.
â- NECK EXERCISES: There are a number of neck exercises that can help improve posture and reduce muscle tension.
â- MAKEUP: Contouring makeup can be used to create the illusion of a longer neck.
