Botulinum Toxin Injection

Trap Tox

Trapezius Slimming & Tension Relief

Slim · Release · Relax

Medically Led — Dual Aesthetic & Functional Benefit — Excellence on Harley Street

22 Harley Street· CQC Regulated· Prescription-Only Medicine· Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal

A bulky, tense trapezius muscle is one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of a heavy neck and shoulder line. Trap Tox addresses both the appearance and the underlying tension in a single treatment.

What Trap Tox Treats

The trapezius is the large, kite-shaped muscle spanning the upper back, shoulders, and neck. In many people — particularly those under chronic stress, with poor posture, or doing prolonged desk-based work — the trapezius becomes habitually tight and overworked, leading to a bulky, raised-shoulder appearance and a thicker, less defined neck line.

Trap Tox uses botulinum toxin injected directly into the trapezius to relax the muscle. As the muscle gradually reduces in activity and bulk, the shoulder line softens and the neck appears longer and more defined. Because the treatment also reduces the chronic overactivity driving the tightness in the first place, many patients experience a genuine reduction in tension and associated headaches alongside the aesthetic change.

“Most patients come to Trap Tox for the aesthetic effect on the shoulder and neck line, but the tension relief is often what they end up valuing most. The two benefits come from exactly the same mechanism.”Dr Philippe Hamida-Pisal, PHP Aesthetic-Wellness

The Dual Benefit

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The Cosmetic Result

As the trapezius relaxes and reduces in bulk, the shoulder line softens and the neck appears longer and more defined — a subtle, elegant change rather than a dramatic one.

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The Functional Result

Reduced overactivity in the trapezius often eases chronic tension, tightness, and the headaches that frequently accompany a habitually overworked shoulder and neck.

Who Trap Tox May Help

A bulky or “raised” shoulder appearance, particularly when not explained by body composition alone

A thick or poorly defined neck line

Chronic tension or tightness across the upper back and shoulders

Tension headaches linked to a tight trapezius or upper back

Desk-based workers or anyone with prolonged screen time and associated postural strain

What to Expect

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Duration

Treatment typically takes 20–30 minutes, including assessment of the trapezius muscle and surrounding anatomy.

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Downtime

Minimal. Some mild tenderness at injection sites for a day or two is possible, but most patients return to normal activity immediately.

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Results Last

Effects typically last three to four months, with repeat treatment recommended to maintain both the aesthetic and functional benefit.

Weeks 1–2

Tension relief is often the first noticeable change, ahead of any visible cosmetic effect.

Weeks 4–6

The slimming effect through the shoulder and neck line typically becomes visible as the muscle reduces in size.

Weeks 8–12

The fullest cosmetic result is reached, with the shoulder and neck line settled into its final, more refined contour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Trap Tox affect my ability to lift or exercise?

At the correct, carefully assessed dose, normal shoulder strength and function are preserved for everyday activity. We discuss your activity levels and any specific strength training at consultation, as dosing can be adjusted for very active patients.

How soon will I see results?

Tension relief is often felt within the first one to two weeks. The cosmetic slimming effect is more gradual, typically becoming visible from around four to six weeks, with the fullest result reached by eight to twelve weeks.

Is Trap Tox the same as the treatment for a wide jawline?

The mechanism is similar — both relax an overactive muscle — but the muscle and goal differ. Jaw slimming targets the masseter muscle for a wide jawline caused by bruxism, while Trap Tox targets the trapezius for the shoulder and neck. Some patients benefit from both as part of a complete treatment plan.

How often do I need treatment?

Most patients require repeat treatment every three to four months to maintain both the tension relief and the slimmer shoulder and neck line. Some patients find the muscle remains smaller even between sessions with repeated treatment over time.

Is there any downtime?

There is no significant downtime. Some mild tenderness at injection sites for a day or two is possible, but most patients return to normal activity immediately.

Related Treatments

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Cupping Therapy

Traditional therapeutic bodywork for muscular tension, often paired with Trap Tox for a complete approach.

Learn more →

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Jaw Slimming

Masseter Botox® for a wide jawline caused by bruxism, using a similar muscle-relaxing mechanism.

Learn more →

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LPG Endermologie®

Mechanical stimulation for circulation and recovery, complementing the tension relief of Trap Tox.

Learn more →

What our clients say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 155 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Ana M. Pastor 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Auf Empfehlung einer Freundin habe ich den Weg aus der Schweiz auf mich genommen, und jeder Kilometer hat sich gelohnt. Bei Dr. Philippe habe ich mich von Anfang an in besten Händen gefühlt: professionell, einfühlsam und präzise, mit einem Ergebnis, das natürlich und mühelos schön wirkt.
Von Herzen vielen Dank an ihn und PHP Aesthetic!
  
 
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   Steven Barclay 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a great experience and professionally led by Phillipe
  
 
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   Emily Kanauros 
 
 
 
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   Natasha H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing! Fabulous kind team that don’t push sales or products. If you want to feel like the best version of yourself he’s the man for you, he always makes me feel ‘less tired’. A fabulous safe pair of hands - best anti aging / refreshing team in the business. Thank you Dr Philippe to you and your team - wonderful as always !
  
 
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   Sarah Plane 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great consultation with no pressure to go ahead. Relaxed and non-rushed appointment.
  
 
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   Alla Giddings 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Mahmoud Charari 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best clinic
  
 
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   Cecilia Puga 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always a fantastic experience at PHP. I highly reccomend their treatments to anyone looking for a youthful skin glow & tone. I’m looking forward to my next visit.
  
 
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   Sarah Evitt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I always look forward to seeing Dr. Phillipe. The clinic has such a warm, friendly and relaxing atmosphere. I have had many treatments all of which  I have been more than happy with. Cannot recommend PHP Aesthetics high enough!
  
 
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   Gail Hendry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely friendly place .And very professional thank you so much my Botox .Wonderful as always x