Trapezius (Shoulder) Botox in Myeongdong, Seoul
Quick answer: Trapezius (trap) Botox relaxes the upper shoulder muscle so it slims over several weeks, giving a longer-looking neck and a flatter shoulder line, and it often eases upper-shoulder tightness. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong it starts from ₩129,000 for both sides (KRW, VAT excluded). It takes 10–15 minutes with no downtime, and results last about 4–6 months.
- Price from: ₩129,000 (both sides)
- Session time: 10–15 minutes
- Numbing: Usually not needed
- Downtime: None
- Results: Slimmer line from about 4 weeks, clearest at 6–8 weeks
- Longevity: About 4–6 months
- Best for: A bulky upper trapezius, short-looking neck or shoulder tightness
What is trapezius Botox?
Trapezius Botox, often called trap or shoulder Botox, is an injection of botulinum toxin into the upper trapezius, the large muscle running from the base of your skull and neck out to your shoulders. When it is bulky, from genetics, posture, desk work or training, the neck looks short and the shoulders sloped. Relaxing the muscle lets it slim over several weeks, so the neck looks longer and the shoulder line flatter. In Korea it is popular before weddings, events and summer. At Dernia Clinic Myeongdong, trapezius Botox starts from ₩129,000 for both sides and is given by licensed medical doctors.
How trapezius Botox works
Toxin blocks the nerve signal that tells muscle fibers to contract. In the upper trapezius this reduces constant low-level tension and, over time, muscle bulk. Tightness usually eases first; the visual change follows as the muscle shrinks.
Because the trapezius is large, it needs a higher dose than facial areas. Your doctor feels the muscle while you shrug and relax, then spreads the dose across several points on each side. Korean toxins such as Botulax and Nabota are common here, and imported toxins are available; see Korean Botox brands vs imported toxins.
Who trapezius Botox suits
- A bulky or high upper trapezius that makes the neck look short
- A sloping shoulder line you would like to look flatter
- Upper-shoulder tightness linked to desk work, phone use or stress
It is less suitable if your shoulder shape comes from bone, posture alone or fat. If you lift heavy weights, train overhead or rely on shoulder strength for work or sport, discuss it with your doctor first, because the muscle will be a little weaker for a while. Ongoing neck or shoulder pain should be checked by a doctor or physiotherapist.
What shapes your dose
| Factor | How it affects your plan |
|---|---|
| Muscle size | Larger, firmer muscles need more units |
| Toxin brand | Korean and imported toxins are priced differently; Dysport uses a different unit scale |
| Goal | A slimmer line usually needs more than easing tightness alone |
| Previous treatment | Repeat treatments often need a similar or slightly lower dose |
Your doctor confirms the toxin and units after examining you; see the trapezius Botox price page. Prices are in Korean won (KRW), exclude 10% VAT, and are confirmed at your consultation.
Your session at Dernia, step by step
- Consultation in English — your doctor looks at your neck and shoulders from front and back and asks about exercise and work.
- Marking — points are marked across the upper trapezius, at a safe distance from the neck and spine.
- Injection — several quick injections on each side, usually without numbing.
- Aftercare advice — you can leave straight away.
Wear a loose top that slips easily off the shoulders.
Downtime and aftercare
There is no downtime. Small red marks fade within an hour, and a small bruise is possible. For the rest of the day, avoid shoulder massage, saunas and hard exercise, and skip heavy upper-body workouts for a few days. Your shoulders may tire sooner when lifting overhead for a few weeks.
Results timeline
Tightness often eases within one to two weeks. The shoulder line looks slimmer from about four weeks, clearest at six to eight weeks, and results commonly last four to six months. Take your own photos from behind and from the side, in the same light and posture, to track the change.
Trapezius Botox vs alternatives
Stretching and physiotherapy can ease tension but rarely change muscle size. If you also have a square lower face, jaw Botox uses the same principle and is often done in the same visit. For crepey neck skin or neck lines, skin Botox or lifting works better. See every option for the shoulders and the neck.
Planning trapezius Botox around a trip to Seoul
It takes about 15 minutes with no marks or recovery, so you can carry on sightseeing and fly the next day. Avoid a heavy backpack on the day and use a wheeled case where you can for the first week. For an event, book four to six weeks ahead. Book a consultation and your doctor will confirm the dose with you.
Safety and who should avoid it
Trapezius Botox is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a neuromuscular condition such as myasthenia gravis, an infection at the site, or a past reaction to toxin. Tell your doctor about blood thinners and medicines, such as certain antibiotics, that interact with toxin. Uncommon effects include temporary shoulder fatigue, aching and, very rarely, neck weakness if toxin spreads, which is why points stay away from the neck. Read Is Korean Botox safe? or browse our other treatments.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Tell us your concerns and your travel dates. A doctor examines your skin in person, explains your options in English, and confirms the plan and price before anything is done.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from our medical team. Still unsure? Ask a doctor or browse all patient questions .
Does trapezius Botox hurt?
Most people feel a few quick pinches and a brief ache as the toxin goes in. The needle is fine and the whole treatment takes minutes, so numbing is rarely needed.
Will my shoulders feel weak?
You may notice your shoulders tire sooner when lifting overhead or carrying heavy bags for a few weeks. Everyday activities are not affected, and the feeling settles as you adapt.
Can I exercise after trap Botox?
Light walking is fine the same day. Wait until the next day for gentle exercise and a few days for heavy upper-body or overhead training. If you train seriously or play a sport that relies on shoulder strength, tell your doctor before treatment.
Does it help with shoulder tension?
Many people report less tightness across the upper shoulders, but trapezius Botox is offered at Dernia as a cosmetic treatment. Persistent pain, numbness or headaches should be assessed by a doctor.
Can I fly after trapezius Botox?
Yes, you can usually fly the next day. Lift heavy luggage carefully and ask for help with overhead bins. See Can I fly after Botox?
Can I have jaw and trapezius Botox together?
Yes. Many people have both in one visit. Your doctor plans the total dose so it stays within safe limits.
Keep exploring
Related treatments, prices and guides
Related treatments
- Jaw Botox — slims a square jaw with the same technique
- Wrinkle Botox — softens forehead, frown and eye lines
- Skin Botox — refines fine lines and texture on the neck and face
Price and areas
- Trapezius Botox price in Seoul
- Shoulder treatments — every option for the shoulder line
- Neck treatments — lines, crepey skin and contour
Guides and FAQs
Plan your visit to Dernia Clinic Myeongdong
English consultations, clear prices in Korean won and treatment plans built around your time in Seoul. Tell us your dates and we will suggest a schedule that fits.
Individual results vary. Suitability, dosage and final price are confirmed by a licensed doctor at your consultation. Prices are in Korean won (KRW) and exclude 10% VAT. Medical disclaimer