Credits: Social Media
The Calf Tox trend is yet another example of TikTok’s obsession with Botox
It seems slim is in with people considering the trendiest technique to make their legs look more contoured, but the so-called ‘Calf Tox’ isn’t free of side effects, just like any other cosmetic procedure.
What is ‘Calf Tox’ trend sweeping TikTok?
As the trend suggests, Calf Tox is the unofficial name given to the cosmetic practice of injecting Botox into calf muscles to slim them down.
TikTok is filled with pictures showing the results of the procedure, as some individuals’ legs look toned down and contoured with better-defined muscles.
Using a Botox injection on the lower leg causes the muscles to temporarily paralyze, thus restricting it from fully contracting.
When Botox prevents the communication between the nerve cells and muscles, the overall size of the calves gradually narrows, making your legs slim.
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While the trend has grown popular owing to aesthetic reasons, the procedure is reportedly performed on patients with conditions such as muscle spasms or when the muscles need to be relaxed.
Several beauty clinics in the United States are currently offering the “safe and swift” calf-slimming Botox treatment. But medical experts do warn users of side effects, which may not be long-lasting.
Doctors warn users of side effects
Calf Tox offers temporary results that may last up to four months and show varying effects on different individuals. Medically, the procedure is used on people with muscle hypertrophy or genetically bulky calf muscles.
Although the procedure is believed to be “generally safe” with “no serious or long-term side effects”, doctors suggest avoiding it to meet conventional beauty standards. Once the effect of Botox wears off, the muscles will return to their natural form.
In addition to redness, swelling, and possible allergic reactions, altering the anatomy of your legs can affect your overall posture and gait as well.
Dr. Andrew Peredo told the New York Post: “Everyday exercises can be affected by this. It could potentially affect your gait/stride, affecting the way you walk, run, or jump depending on your anatomy.
Full long-term effects are not known as this is a new trend, but there is a potential to affect your lower legs and back. The calf muscles are important for walking, running, and jumping and also help with posture.”
As the muscles can be sore after Botox, users are advised against strenuous physical activity for at least two weeks following the procedure.
A Botox procedure on a calf in the United States costs anywhere from $300 to $600 on average. The actual cost may vary depending on the location of the clinic, the candidate, the experts performing, and more.
Despite the easy fix Botox offers for legs that aren’t “well-defined” according to some, a lot of users have expressed skepticism about the cost of the procedure and its usefulness, which is debatable. Meanwhile, those with larger calves are glad to be able to reduce the overall size of their legs to be proportionate to the rest of their body.
