VEI Body · Botulinum Toxin
Body Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin (commonly called Botox) into enlarged muscles to reduce their strength and size. At VEI Clinic, we focus on prominent trapezius and calf muscles. We first check whether the contour is due to muscle, fat or swelling, then decide on injection sites and doses.
The trapezius runs from the neck to the shoulders. When well developed, it can make the neck look shorter and the shoulders appear raised. Reducing muscle tension and size with Botox may help the neck look longer.
Many people also have shoulder tightness, but pain has various causes, so we examine you first. If device-based treatment is more suitable than injections, we may recommend Fascella Lifting, which uses radiofrequency and low-frequency energy.
When an enlarged gastrocnemius, the muscle at the back of the calf, creates a prominent bulge, we inject several points within the muscle. It may help when muscle is the cause, but has less effect when fat or swelling is the main cause.
If fat is also present, we discuss fat-dissolving Melting Cut injections. If swelling is the main concern, we also discuss circulation care.
A reduction in muscle size usually appears over 2 to 4 weeks. After a few months, the muscle gradually returns toward its original size. To maintain the change, treatment is often repeated every 4 to 6 months.
The degree of change depends on muscle size and daily habits. Reducing habits that build these muscles, such as carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder or wearing high heels, helps the effect last longer.
For a few weeks after treatment the treated muscle may be weaker, so hiking or running (calves) or lifting heavy things (trapezius) may be harder. Bruising and stiffness at the injection sites usually settle within a few days. Rarely, the effect can spread beyond the treated area and cause general muscle weakness or difficulty swallowing or breathing; if that happens, seek emergency care right away.
We do not perform this procedure during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or in people with neuromuscular conditions such as myasthenia gravis. If you rely heavily on these muscles, as athletes do, please discuss this with us in advance.
An internal medicine specialist examines you in person to confirm whether muscle is the cause. We explain the medication type, dose and precautions during your consultation.
FAQ
Some people feel less tightness caused by muscle tension, but this does not apply to every cause of shoulder discomfort. If we suspect another cause, such as a cervical disc problem, medical assessment comes first.
Muscle size usually decreases over 2 to 4 weeks. If fat or swelling is the cause, the change will be smaller, so we discuss other options too.
Treatment is usually repeated every 4 to 6 months as the muscle returns toward its original size. We avoid repeating it at very short intervals because resistance can develop.
Avoid strenuous exercise and saunas on the treatment day. Light exercise is fine from the next day. Increase strength training gradually based on your recovery.
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