Trap Botox in Houston

The upper trapezius is a substantial muscle group, much larger than anything we treat in the face. Effective trap dosing typically runs 40 to 60 units per side - 80 to 120 units total for both shoulders. That is several times the dose used for upper-face work.

The treatment is split across multiple injection points along the upper edge of each trap (typically 4 to 6 points per side). I assess your muscle bulk on exam and adjust the dose accordingly. Stronger, bulkier traps need more units to soften meaningfully.

The relief part comes first. Patients usually feel less tension and tightness within 7 to 14 days. Tension headaches often ease within the first two weeks.

The cosmetic part - visible elongation of the neckline and a softer shoulder slope - develops more slowly. As the trap is chronically relaxed over weeks, the muscle bulk gradually decreases. Most patients see visible neckline change at the 6 to 10 week mark, with continued development through 3 months and beyond if we maintain with repeat treatments.

For the functional effect (less tension), 3 to 4 months. For the cosmetic effect (visible muscle slimming), repeat treatments at 4 to 6 month intervals produce progressive change that lasts increasingly long. Some patients can stretch maintenance to 6 months after their first year.

Common after the procedure: mild soreness at injection points for a day or two, occasional bruising. Less common: brief feeling of weakness when lifting heavy things over the head (rare, settles in 1 to 2 weeks).

We do not treat trap if you have a neuromuscular condition, ALS, myasthenia gravis, or certain rare nerve disorders. We go through your history at consult.