Barbie Botox: chasing doll-like beauty sparks concern in aesthetic medicine

The Barbie doll, one of the world's best-selling toys, is a renowned icon of mass culture. Created by Ruth Handler in 1958, the doll, interestingly, was inspired by the German adult doll Lilli and was officially launched on March 9, 1959, at the New York Toy Fair. Few realize that the name 'Barbie' is a diminutive of Barbara, the name of Ruth Handler's daughter. The doll's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Despite its popularity, the Barbie doll has often been a controversial symbol of 'ideal' beauty. These controversies have carried over into the beauty industry today, with the Barbie Botox procedure evoking mixed feelings.

In the 21st century, social media exerts a strong influence, often promoting unrealistic and damaging beauty standards that affect societal self-esteem and confidence. Young women especially, are susceptible to societal pressure to attain an idealized appearance. Simplicity and the avoidance of beauty enhancements seem to be falling out of fashion in many circles. Consequently, a growing number of women and men are choosing to modify their appearances with specialized interventions. The surge in patronage at aesthetic medicine offices and plastic surgery clinics stands as evidence of this shift.

The Barbie Botox trend endorses a procedure designed to slim and elongate the neck, mimicking the look of a Barbie doll. This method involves injecting botulinum toxin into the trapezius muscle, familiar to some as the 'hood', which covers our neck and shoulders.

It's important to note that injecting botulinum toxin results in paralysis of the upper part of the muscle. This is intended to create a 'sunken' effect, lowering the shoulders and altering the transition angle from shoulder to neck. The overall effect creates the illusion of a slimmer, elongated neck.

Unfortunately, Barbie Botox is currently being heavily promoted among internet users, particularly drawing the attention of younger audiences on TikTok and Instagram. Doctors remind us that this is not a new technique. The botulinum toxin has already been used for years, often medicinally, being injected into the trapezius muscle in individuals experiencing severe headaches.

The novelty however, is in the catchy name of the procedure. Experts caution that injecting botulinum toxin is a medical procedure, not a cosmetic one, and that it requires professional qualification to administer. It can lead to various complications related to muscle function among others. Therefore, it is not a procedure recommended for everyone.