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We are closed from 18 Feb (Tue) - 20 Feb (Thu) for our annual team building. We will reopen on 21 Feb (Fri).
We are closed from 18 Feb (Tue) - 20 Feb (Thu) for our annual team building. We will reopen on 21 Feb (Fri).

Your Fast Track to Slimmer Shoulders and Legs

By Dr Kelvin Chua
Last Updated:
April 23, 2025
botox injection

Your Cheat Code to Slimmer Shoulders and Legs

Neurotoxin (conventionally used in Anti Wrinkle Treatment) can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines on the face. But did you know that it can also be used to contour the body?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how neurotoxin for body contouring works, what areas of the body it can treat, and what results you can expect. We will also share about its safety and other body contouring methods available in Singapore.

How Does Neurotoxin Help with Achieving Slimmer Shoulders and Legs?

Neurotoxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine sends signals from the brain to the muscles, telling them to contract. When the release of acetylcholine is blocked, muscle contraction is restricted. This restriction temporarily reduces the size and appearance of the muscles.

To slim the face or contour the body, neurotoxin is injected into the muscles to trigger muscle relaxation and reduce hypertrophy.

Targeted Muscle Relaxation

This treatment aims to effectively paralyse the underlying muscles responsible for specific movements and muscle contractions. This mechanism allows for precise sculpting and contouring of targeted regions. 

Reduction of Muscle Hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy is the enlargement or thickening of muscles due to repetitive use. Certain body areas, such as the calves, can develop excessive muscle bulk, creating an unbalanced or disproportionate appearance. When injected into these muscles, neurotoxin reduces their size.

For facial slimming, neurotoxin can be administered in the jaw to target the masseter, which can give the face a square or rounded jawline. Muscles in the masseter will relax and shrink in size, resulting in a slimmer jawline.

What Areas of the Body Can Neurotoxin Treat?

Shoulders and Neck

Also known by its more trendy term, TrapTox, this treatment can help you achieve slender shoulders and a longer-looking neck. It is suitable for individuals with enlarged or athletic-looking shoulders that arise from an enlarged trapezius. 

This treatment requires neurotoxin to be administered into the trapezius muscles, which run along the back of the neck and shoulders. 

Calves

This treatment can reduce size and bulk of calf muscles. It is ideal if you have overdeveloped calf muscles but want a slimmer leg profile.

It also works for the gastrocnemius muscles, the large muscles in the back of the lower leg.

What Results Can I Expect?

The results you can expect will depend on the specific areas being treated and your goals. Here are some possible outcomes.

Reduced Muscle Size

You may notice a decrease in the size and appearance of treated muscles within four to six weeks of the injections. This effect usually lasts around six months.

Proportionate Body Shape

You can expect a more proportionate body shape after treatment. It should help balance areas where muscle bulk or asymmetry are a concern, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing physique.

Enhanced Body Definition

Your body may have a more defined and  sculpted profile as excessive muscle bulk is reduced. 

How Long Does The Neurotoxin Solution Last in the Body?

The longevity of the neurotoxin solution depends on your genes, the amount used and the area of your body being treated. Neurotoxin treatments on the face typically last longer than when applied to the calves, as the calf muscles are engaged more frequently in daily activities compared to facial muscles.

In general, however, you can expect the results to last for three to six months. 

Is This Treatment Safe for Use in the Body?

This treatment is generally considered safe when used appropriately and administered by a qualified doctor. 

Qualified Doctor

The solution is typically administered in localised areas and at precise doses. When performed by a skilled doctor, the risk of adverse effects is minimised. However, you must practise due diligence by choosing a reputable clinic and ensuring that the injector is licensed to perform this body contouring treatment. 

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks and side effects associated with neurotoxin. Possible side effects include:

  • temporary bruising
  • swelling
  • redness
  • discomfort at the injection site
  • Decreased strength in the injected muscles. This usually does not affect your regular day to day activities.

 

Minimise Risks

To further minimise the risks associated with neurotoxin, you must provide a complete medical history to your doctor, including any allergies, medications, or pre-existing medical conditions. You should also adhere to your doctor’s pre- and post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal results and recovery.

Are There Other Body Contouring Options?

Yes! This treatment is specifically targeted at areas with bulky muscles such as the calves and shoulders; but if you wish to target areas of fat, you may wish to consider other Body contouring procedures. Our doctors can help you decide by providing advice based on your health profile.

Liposuction

Liposuction surgically removes excess fat from specific body areas. Consider this method if you want a significant and immediate fat reduction.

Small incisions are made during the procedure, and a suction device removes the fat cells. Liposuction can target areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and buttocks, making a noticeable reduction in fat deposits and improving your body contours. 

However, it is invasive, requires anaesthesia, and has a longer recovery period.

Low-level Laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive procedure used for body contouring. It uses low-intensity lasers to stimulate cells and reduce targeted fat. During the treatment, specific wavelengths of light penetrate the skin and reach the fat cells.

Affected cells are stimulated to release stored fat, which is then naturally eliminated by the body. The procedure is painless and does not require anaesthesia. However, multiple sessions may be needed to obtain your desired goals. 

Low-level laser therapy can be used on fat belly, thighs, hips and arms. It’s most effective if you are near your ideal body weight but have stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise.

Lightfective Reborn

Lightfective ReBorn is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that utilises Power LED to target underlying fat cells.

This controlled thermal energy initiates a natural process called apoptosis, causing the fat cells to break down. Over time, these damaged fat cells are gradually metabolised and safely eliminated by the body.

Unlike other light-based technologies that can have up to 60% variation in heat distribution, ReBorn delivers uniform thermal energy across the treatment area—ensuring more consistent, effective results without performance degradation.

Autologous Fat Transfer (AFT)

Autologous fat transfer, also known as fat grafting or microlipoinjection, is an invasive procedure for body contouring. It involves taking fat from one part of your body and transferring it to another area that needs more volume or shape.

AFT offers several advantages. Since the fat comes from your own body, there is a lower risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The results are natural-looking and long-lasting because the transplanted fat integrates with your existing tissues.

AFT recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the treated areas. You may experience swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort following the procedure.

Body Contouring Options in Singapore

How it works  Best for
Neurotoxin Paralyses the targeted muscle, reducing the size of the targeted area the jaw, shoulders and calves 
Liposuction  Surgically removes fat through a suction device  Treating obvious and significant fat reduction options 
Low-level laser therapy  Laser energy to destroy fat cells  Painless, non-invasive, convenient option for  removing small pockets of fat 
ReBorn Power LED to break down fat cells  Painless, non-invasive, convenient option for those looking to removing small pockets of fat 
Fat transfer  Transfer fat from one area of your body to the other  You are essentially reshaping your body in more than one area; low risk of rejection since fat is your own 

Steps to Your Shoulder and Calf Slimming  Treatment at SL Aesthetic Clinic

Here is a step-by-step guide

1. Consulting with our Doctor

Our doctor will discuss your desired results and ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. Our doctor will also answer any questions about the process.

2. Signing Consent Forms

Signing consent forms is standard procedure for any medical treatment. The consent forms will outline the risks and benefits of the procedure and your rights as a patient.

3. Preparing the Treatment Area

Our doctor will clean the area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.

4. Administering the Neurotoxin 

Neurotoxin is administered into the muscles that make up the unwanted bulk. The number of injections and the amount of neurotoxin used will vary depending on the area being treated. The process is usually brief and painless.

5. Observing the Treatment Area

Our doctor will observe the treatment area for any signs of bleeding or bruising. If you experience discomfort, our doctor will provide pain medication.

6. Post-procedure Instructions

Our doctor will instruct you on how to care for the treatment area and what to expect in the days following the procedure. You may also be advised to avoid vigorous activity to avoid excessive muscle movement.

Talk to Us About Your Body Contouring Needs

If you are considering neurotoxin for body contouring or exploring other body sculpting options in Singapore, we invite you to book a consultation with our expert team at SL Aesthetic Clinic. Our experienced professionals will assess your unique needs, discuss your goals, and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve the body contours you desire.

Contact us today.

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