160 Million Won for a Long Neck + Slim Shoulders... 'Barbie Botox' Dangerous Popularity in the US

Originally for Trapezius Muscle Treatment... Recently Disguised as a Procedure
Neurotoxin Injected into Trapezius Muscle of a Person in Their 40s... Controversy Over Side Effects

The 'Botox' procedure that creates a long neck and slim shoulders like a Barbie doll is gaining popularity, especially online.

On the 17th (local time), CNN reported that Botox injections of 40 units into the trapezius muscle have recently been dedicated to cosmetic purposes, attracting the attention of younger generations.

Before and after photos of Barbie Botox treatment one month apart. [Photo by Isabel Lux Instagram]

This Botox was originally designed to relieve overworked trapezius muscles to alleviate migraines and neck tension. However, after the procedure, the shoulders become narrower and the neck elongates, creating an appearance similar to a Barbie doll, hence it is called Barbie Botox.

Barbie Botox has already widely spread on social networking media (SNS) TikTok, with hashtag views reaching 9 million.

According to CNN, numerous medispas and clinic businesses are enthusiastically promoting it using pink captions and glittery emojis symbolizing Barbie.

'Barbie Botox' procedure costs around 1.6 million KRW per session

It is called Barbie Botox because it creates the effect of narrowing the shoulders and lengthening the neck after the procedure, resulting in a Barbie doll-like appearance.
[Photo by Pixabay]

Isabel Lux (32), a U.S. creator known for coining the nickname Barbie Botox, recorded 250,000 views on her related review video.

According to Lux, the cost is about $1,200 (approximately 1.6 million KRW), and after treatment, one should avoid carrying heavy backpacks for 72 hours and refrain from intense exercise or massages.

Lux said, "During the first week after the procedure, I felt pain, tension, and stiffness in my neck, shoulders, and upper back, which made me very worried. But after two months, it got better, and I plan to have an additional procedure in winter."

However, warnings have been issued that such procedures can potentially cause serious side effects, so caution is required.

CNN reported that if the wrong dosage is administered during the procedure, muscles can become completely paralyzed, and nerve connections to surrounding muscles can weaken, leading to dangerous situations.

Some netizens have also criticized Lux's Barbie Botox procedure as anti-feminist or claimed that Lux is a victim of patriarchy.

Lux responded, "We need to stop belittling women over women's interests," adding, "I do not see it as a foolish act."

According to a 2021 survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the global facial injection market is estimated to more than double by 2032, reaching $36.8 billion (approximately 49 trillion KRW).

Globally, the momentum of the movie 'Barbie' continues. The 'Barbie craze' is expected to increase interest in Barbie Botox, regardless of the original intention.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the global momentum of the movie 'Barbie' continues. The 'Barbie craze' is expected to further increase interest in Barbie Botox, regardless of intent.

As of the 16th (local time), according to the U.S. box office ranking site 'Box Office Mojo,' the worldwide total revenue of the movie 'Barbie' reached $1.19799 billion (approximately 1.6 trillion KRW) as of the previous day. This figure surpasses Warner Bros.' highest-grossing film 'The Dark Knight,' which holds the world record with $1.00623 billion in revenue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.