What is Botox?

It is about freedom of expression.

Botox is a brand name of a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are other brand names for botulinum, such as Dysport and Xeomin. Small, diluted amounts can be directly injected into specific muscles causing controlled weakening of the muscles. The FDA approved such usage in the late 1980s upon the discovery that Botox could stop ailments like blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking) and strabismus (lazy eye). Doctors have been using Botox for years to successfully treat wrinkles and facial creases. In April 2002, Botox gained FDA approval for treatment of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows – called glabellar lines. However, Botox is often used for other areas of the face as well.  It is used to treat “wrinkles in motion,” or lines that are formed when muscles are activated.  Dr. Mueller also performs Botox treatments for TMJ muscle spasms and migraines with great success.

Dr. Mueller has been performing Botox injections for cosmetic purposes since 1996 – longer than most doctors in Hampton Roads and Virginia for that matter.  Dr. Mueller has also been an educator for the Allergan Corporation, the makers of Botox Cosmetic, teaching other doctors throughout the U.S. how to perform Botox injections. Do not worry. You will not have that “frozen” look. Dr. Mueller offers all three products, Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin at Virginia Facial Surgery.

How does Botox work?

Botox used to reduce wrinkles is a sterile and purified version of the Botulinum Toxin A. When the toxin is injected into the muscle, it works to block the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles, thereby causing them to relax more. The net result is that the process of wrinkle formation is reduced. A smoothing effect is seen almost immediately and it continues to improve over the next few days.

It is most often used on forehead lines, crow’s feet (lines around the eye) and the “11s” – lines between the eyebrows. Dr Mueller can also perform Botox treatments for wrinkles of the chin, wrinkles on the sides of the nose, and lower lip (frown or marionette lines).  Dr. Mueller also uses Botox, Dysport and Xeomin in conjunction with Juvederm for his liquid brow lift.  Wrinkles caused by sun damage and gravity will not respond to Botox.  Dr. Mueller treats these types of wrinkles with facelift, brow lift, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.

Dr. David Mueller is a cosmetic plastic surgeon in Virginia Beach who has extensive experience with fillers such as botox, restalyn, dysport, and xeomin.

How long does Botox last?

The effects from Botox will last 3 – 4 months in most people. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.  Because of this, some of Dr. Mueller’s patients that he has been treating with Botox for over 10 years come in once or twice per year for re-treatment.

Who should do my Botox treatment?

This is a very good question.  Make sure a qualified doctor is performing your treatment.  Experience matters when considering who will perform your Botox treatment.  Dr. Mueller has over 15 years of experience treating patients with Botox, Dysport and Xeomin.  Dr. Mueller was personally educated by Drs. Jean and Alastaire Carruthers, the pioneers of Botox.  In addition, Dr. Mueller has served as a Botox educator for the Allergan Corporation, the manufacturers of Botox®.

Anyone in the medical field can inject Botox – nurses, physician assistants, interns and the like.  In many cases, these practitioners have only taken a weekend course in Botox, have no experience in facial anatomy or facial surgery for that matter, and cannot treat any of the complications should they arise.  It is your face – be sure an experienced facial surgeon performs your treatment.  Experience matters.  Dr. Mueller performs 100% of the Botox injections in his practice.

How is the procedure performed?

Getting Botox takes only a few minutes and no anesthesia is required. Many of our patients receive their treatments during their lunch hour and return to work.  Botox is injected with an ultra-fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. Dr. Mueller uses the smallest needle commercially available to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.  It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect.  Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks before treatment as well in order to reduce bruising.  This is not required, but recommended to help reduce the possibility of bruising.  At Virginia Facial Surgery, we have our facelift, blepharoplasty, laser resurfacing and chemical peel patients have their Botox treatments several weeks prior to their surgical procedures.  This relaxes the muscles to help smooth the skin and makes healing easier and more comfortable.

What are the side effects?

Patients may experience temporary discomfort or bruising at the injection sites.  Although uncommon, some patients may experience a mild, temporary headache.  This can be easily treated with an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

One of the significant side effects of the treatment is the risk of a drooping eye for a few days. This can occur if the Botox is injected too close to the eyelid.  This is also where experience matters.  Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this treatment.