Stassi Schroeder Just Got 'Barbietox'—Here's What That Means
Vanderpump Rules alum Stassi Schroeder has always been open about getting cosmetic procedures, from talking about her chin implant and breast reduction on the hit reality TV show to sharing her Botox do's and don'ts in interviews. Now, she's sharing the results of getting "Barbietox" (a.k.a. traptox) with her Instagram followers.
“Okay I will never not get barbietox. Y’all Google it, you’re welcome,” the Straight Up With Stassi podcast host captioned side-by-side photos of herself in her Instagram Stories. The 35-year-old didn’t share any more details about what Barbietox is, but she did tag her plastic surgeon, Jimmy Firouz, M.D. in the post.
While Stassi may be one of the first people to show the before and after results of Barbietox, she isn’t the first person to coin the term—in fact, it’s also all over TikTok. But what is Barbietox and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know, according to plastic surgeons.
What is Barbietox?
Barbietox, also called “traptox,” is a cosmetic procedure that’s involves using Botox in your trapezoids, Dr. Firouz explained on his website. These muscles cover the upper part of your back and shoulders.
How does it work?
The aesthetic goal of Barbietox is to make the neck look longer and slenderer and soften the shoulders, plastic surgeon Andrew Peredo, MD, of Skinfluence NYC previously previously told Women's Health. But it also can relieve back pain and shoulder pain when people have muscle tightness, Dr. Firouz said on his website.
After Stassi shared her post, Dr. Firouz also touted the benefits of the cosmetic procedure on his own Instagram Stories. “Not only does this slim down the neckline, but it feels amazing!” he wrote, per Us Weekly. “The tension relief is a game changer.”
And other doctors agree: “Overworked trapezius muscles can become tight and stiff, and neurotoxins can help relieve this tension and soreness,” Marina Peredo, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and founder of Skinfluence NYC previously told WH.
Can you use any neurotoxin?
Dr. Firouz only mentioned Botox when talking about Barbietox on his website, but any brand of neurotoxin can be used for the cosmetic procedure. For results that stick around longer, Drs. Peredo recommended Daxxify, which studies indicate may have a more lasting effect.
How many units do you need for Barbietox?
As with all injectables, it varies from person to person. With Barbietox in particular, the amount of toxin depends on the size and bulk of a patient’s trap muscle, dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics in Tucson, Arizona previously told Women's Health. She typically injects 20 to 25 units of toxin to each side, but Dr. Farhang notes that “a larger muscle could require up to 50 units per side.”
Are there any risks?
It’s important to point out that Botox injections are only technically FDA-approved for the face. Using it on any other part of your body means you’re in off-label territory, which makes it all the more important that you get this done by a licensed medical professional.
Additionally, Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD, a double board-certified adult and pediatric dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona, previously advised caution for patients considering the procedure for purely cosmetic purposes. “My concern is that it could hinder appropriate posture, resulting in the recruitment of other muscles to sustain posture which can further exacerbate back pain,” he told WH. “It’s also not helpful for women with larger breasts as it is even harder to maintain posture in those patients.”
How long is recovery for Barbietox?
Dr. Firouz didn’t say, but it’s likely the same as any Botox procedure—meaning, you can walk on out of your doctor’s office and get back to your life.
That said, it's best to avoid alcohol and NSAID pain relievers for a few days to minimize bleeding and bruising, Dr. Peredo told WH. It may also be wise to steer clear of rigorous physical activity for a day or two after the procedure, Macrene Alexiades, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine and founder of Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center of New York, previously told Women's Health.
You may notice the effects of Traptox for up to six months, Dr. Farhang said, depending on which toxin is used and how much is injected.
You Might Also Like