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, the upper lip (the “Lip Flip”), and lower lip (frown or marionette lines). 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.

The effects from Botox® will last 3 – 4 months in most people. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to reappear 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.

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 25 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 manufacturer of Botox®.

Anyone in the medical field can inject Botox® – nurses, physician assistants, interns, and now, even General Dentists. 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.

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.