We All Loved The Barbie Movie, But Is Barbie Botox Safe?
This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Jess Newman. Find her on Instagram at @_jess_n_. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
TikTok is trendy and a great platform to learn about new things, but everyone has to remember not to believe everything that we see on there. We all had a Barbie summer embracing pink and dressing up to go see the movie. To go along with the Barbie trend a new form of Botox started popping up on TikTok called “Barbie Botox”. Let’s look at the facts and determine whether or not this is safe!
What is Botox?
I first want to break down what Botox is. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Botox is one of the most widely known brands of botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxins are neurotoxins that affect nerves and cause muscle weakening. The Mayo Clinic states that Botox injections are shots that use a toxin to prevent a muscle from moving for a limited time. Doctors have found many beneficial uses for Botox like smoothing wrinkles, soothing muscle spasms, preventing migraines and reducing sweating. Even though Botox can do a lot of good, it can also cause harm. Since Botox has become very mainstream I think we all tend to forget that much like any other procedure, there are potential risks.
What is Barbie Botox?
Barbie Botox is when 40 units of Botox is injected into the trapezius muscle. This is the muscle that helps us hold up our necks. Originally this procedure was called “TrapTox” and was developed to help those with neck tension that causes migraines. Those who coined the term Barbie Botox noticed the aesthetic benefits of the shoulders looking slimmer which elongates the neck. This is how it started gaining traction on TikTok.
The Risks
The side effects of Botox change depending on where the injection site is located. Side effects can be both short and long-term. Since it is an injection there is no guarantee that it will stay in the location it was originally put in. It is rare for Botox to migrate, but it is possible. This is why Barbie Botox is nothing to think light of. They are injecting the muscle that you use to hold up your head. This means if something goes wrong, you could be severely crippled by an elective procedure. As an added note to consider, this is a very pricey procedure. According to my research, 40 units of Botox costs an average of $550 to $700 dollars. In this economy, this is no little fee.
Cosmetic procedures are fun, but they are often glamorized on social media. They are not only expensive, but they can cost you your overall health. There are serious side effects and complications that you need to take into consideration before making an appointment. Also, keep in mind that most of the people you see on social media are getting these procedures for free in exchange for helping give MedSpa free marketing. I know it’s cliche but you are beautiful just the way you are and you don’t need to worry about health complications! We have enough to worry about these days.
What is Barbie botox? Have you heard about this trend? Let us know in the comments below!