Fine lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet can appear sooner than you expect, making you look tired or stressed, even when you’re not. As these expression lines deepen over time, they can start to impact how you feel about your appearance and confidence. And while countless creams and serums promise results, few actually target the underlying cause: repeated muscle movement beneath the skin.
At Meliora Integrative Medicine, we offer cosmetic injectables. They offer quick, effective, and non-surgical ways to look refreshed without altering your appearance. Our personalized, natural-results approach ensures you still look like you, just well-rested and revitalized.
What Are Cosmetic Injectables?
Cosmetic injectables are non-surgical treatments designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss, helping you achieve a more youthful look with minimal downtime. These treatments are administered directly into targeted areas of the face to relax facial muscles or restore volume, depending on the product used.
Benefits of Cosmetic Injectables
Smooth Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Cosmetic injectables target areas where wrinkles and fine lines are most prominent, helping to visibly soften them. This leads to a more youthful and refreshed appearance without the need for surgery.
Prevent Future Signs of Aging
By addressing repetitive facial muscle movements early, injectables can help prevent deeper lines from forming over time. This makes them a popular option for both corrective and preventative care.
Quick Treatment Sessions
Most injectable treatments can be completed in under 30 minutes, making them easy to fit into a busy schedule. You can return to your normal day almost immediately after your appointment.
No Downtime Required
Unlike invasive procedures, cosmetic injectables require little to no recovery time. Many patients go straight back to work or social activities the same day.
Natural-Looking Results
When performed by a trained provider, injectables enhance your appearance without making you look overdone or artificial. The goal is to look like yourself, just more rested and rejuvenated.
Our Options for Cosmetic Injectables
At Meliora Integrative Medicine in Evanston, IL, we offer BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment for patients who want to feel and look their best.
BOTOX® Cosmetic
Botulinum Toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium A, can relax the muscles on areas of the face which cause wrinkles associated with facial expressions. BOTOX® Cosmetic is the first and only treatment FDA-approved to temporarily make moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines look better in adults.
How It Works
The treatment process begins with an initial consultation to discuss your areas of concern and perform a facial analysis to determine the appropriate treatment areas for you. BOTOX® Cosmetic targets one of the underlying causes of frown lines, crow’s feet and forehead lines — the repeated muscle contractions from frowning, squinting, smiling and raising the eyebrows over the years. We will inject these muscles with BOTOX® Cosmetic to temporarily reduce muscle activity. You will begin to notice your frown lines between your brows, your crow’s feet lines and your forehead lines temporarily look better
What To Expect
The treatment area will be numbed with either ice or a topical numbing cream. Some patients report that being injected with BOTOX® Cosmetic feels like a pinch.The entire procedure itself takes a couple of minutes and there is virtually no downtime afterwards. You may begin to notice results within 24 to 48 hours, with full results in 30 days, with results lasting up to four months for moderate to severe frown lines. It delivers predictable, subtle results, so you look like you, only with less noticeable facial lines.
What It Treats
Along with smoothing existing wrinkles, Botox treatments can prevent the formation of new wrinkles that come with age. Botox is also safe for all people of all skin types and ages, so anyone can undergo these treatments.
Cosmetic Injectables: Neuromodulators vs. Dermal Fillers
Neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers are both popular treatments, but they serve very different purposes. Neuromodulators work by gently relaxing targeted facial muscles that cause expression lines, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. They’re ideal for softening movement-related wrinkles and preventing deeper lines from forming over time.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are used to restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes. They help smooth static wrinkles and enhance facial contours by plumping the skin from beneath. While we currently focus on neuromodulators at Meliora Integrative Medicine, we believe in educating our patients about all available options so they can make empowered decisions about their care. In many cases, both treatments can complement each other beautifully for a balanced, natural-looking result.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your cosmetic injectable experience at Meliora Integrative Medicine is designed to be smooth, informative, and comfortable from start to finish. We begin with a one-on-one consultation where we discuss your goals, medical history, and facial anatomy to ensure the treatment is safe and tailored specifically for you. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and understand the process before any injections begin.
Appointments typically take about 30 minutes, with most of that time dedicated to consultation and prep. You don’t need to wear anything special, just arrive with a clean face, if possible. For your comfort, we may apply a topical numbing cream or use ice before treatment. Afterward, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and can return to your day with little to no downtime. Our private, professional environment ensures your care is discreet and centered entirely around your well-being.
Timeline of Results: What to Expect Week by Week
Cosmetic injectables deliver gradual, natural-looking improvements. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect after your treatment:
Day 1–2
You may notice mild swelling, tenderness, or redness around the injection sites. These effects are temporary and usually resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Day 3–5:
Early softening of expression lines often begins to show. Areas like the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes may start to appear smoother as muscle activity gently decreases.
Day 7–10:
This is when full results typically become visible. Lines appear less prominent, the face looks more relaxed, and your overall appearance is refreshed without looking “frozen” or overdone.
Week 12–16:
Gradual fading of effects begins, depending on your metabolism, facial muscle activity, and treatment area. This is the ideal time to schedule your next appointment if you want to maintain your results consistently.
At Meliora Integrative Medicine, we guide you through every phase of your aesthetic journey to ensure results that look and feel like you.
Preparing for Cosmetic Injectables
A smooth and successful cosmetic injectable experience starts with the right preparation. Following a few simple steps can help minimize side effects, reduce bruising, and ensure the best possible results.
- Avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba, unless medically necessary.
- Limit alcohol intake to help reduce the chance of bruising.
- Stay well-hydrated and try to get a good night’s sleep before your appointment.
There’s no need to drastically alter your routine. These small preparations go a long way in making your experience more comfortable and effective. During your consultation, we’ll also review your medical history, current medications, and any concerns to ensure treatment is completely safe and personalized to you.
Who Is a Candidate for Cosmetic Injectables?
Cosmetic injectables are ideal for adults seeking a non-surgical way to smooth expression lines and maintain a youthful appearance. Whether you’re looking to soften existing wrinkles or prevent new ones from forming, these treatments offer a customizable and effective solution.
You may be a good candidate if:
- You’re in generally good health with no active skin infections in the treatment area
- You have moderate to severe expression lines such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or forehead wrinkles
- You’re interested in preventing deeper lines from developing over time
- You prefer a non-invasive approach with minimal downtime
- You have realistic expectations and want subtle, natural-looking results
Injectables can be used across a wide range of ages and skin types, making them a versatile option for many individuals. However, they may not be recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain neurological conditions. A consultation at Meliora Integrative Medicine will help determine the best approach based on your goals, facial anatomy, and health history.
Cost and Treatment Frequency
The cost of cosmetic injectables can vary depending on several factors, including the number of areas treated, the amount of product used, and your individual muscle activity. During your consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing so you can feel confident in your decision.
Most patients find that results last around three to four months, after which a maintenance session is recommended to keep your look consistent. Over time, some patients may require fewer units or less frequent visits as muscles adapt. We’ll work with you to establish a treatment rhythm that aligns with your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Maintaining Your Results
To get the most out of your cosmetic injectable treatments, consistency and care are key. While results typically last three to four months, small lifestyle adjustments and proper follow-up can help extend their effectiveness and keep your appearance fresh between visits.
We recommend scheduling maintenance appointments every 12 to 16 weeks, depending on how quickly your body metabolizes the product and how expressive your facial muscles are. Over time, with regular treatments, many patients find that they need fewer units to achieve the same smooth, natural-looking results.
Daily habits can also make a difference. Wearing SPF daily, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding smoking can all help preserve the skin’s integrity and prolong the effects of injectables. We’ll work with you to develop a long-term plan that fits your lifestyle and keeps your results consistent—so you can continue to look and feel your best year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Injectables
How soon will I see results?
Most patients begin to notice subtle improvements within three to five days after treatment, with full results typically visible around 10 to 14 days. These results include smoother skin, softened lines, and a more relaxed appearance, particularly in areas prone to expression wrinkles like the forehead, between the brows, and around the eyes.
Do cosmetic injectables hurt?
The injection process is generally quick and well-tolerated. Patients often describe it as a small pinch or sting, lasting only a few seconds per injection site. To enhance your comfort, we may apply a topical numbing cream or use ice prior to treatment. Most people are pleasantly surprised by how minimal the discomfort actually is.
Will I look frozen or overdone?
When performed by experienced medical professionals, cosmetic injectables should never make you look frozen, stiff, or “overdone.” The goal is to relax specific muscles just enough to soften lines—while preserving your natural facial expressions. At Meliora Integrative Medicine, we take a conservative, customized approach to ensure subtle, natural-looking results.
How long do the results last?
Most cosmetic injectables last approximately 3 to 4 months, though this can vary depending on the area treated, your metabolism, and how expressive your facial muscles are. With consistent treatment, many patients find that results last longer over time, and they may even need fewer units as their muscles adapt.
Why Choose Meliora Integrative Medicine for Cosmetic Injectables?
At Meliora Integrative Medicine, aesthetic care is never just about appearances — it’s about helping you feel aligned, confident, and well in your whole self. Cosmetic injectables are offered within the context of integrative, patient-centered care that honors your individuality and long-term wellness goals.
Dr. Rowena Chua, a board-certified neurologist and fellowship-trained integrative medicine physician, brings a unique clinical perspective to every cosmetic treatment. With additional expertise in anti-aging and restorative medicine, she approaches injectables not as isolated procedures, but as tools that complement your broader health journey. Each treatment is grounded in precision, medical safety, and a deep respect for your natural beauty.
When you choose Meliora for cosmetic injectables, you are receiving thoughtful, high-quality care delivered with integrity. Whether you’re taking your first step into aesthetics or looking for a refresh that still looks like you, your treatment plan will be fully customized to your needs, lifestyle, and vision for how you want to feel in your skin.
Cosmetic Injectables: Look and Feel Your Best With BOTOX® Cosmetic
We are here not only to optimize your health and wellness, but to also help you look and feel your best. At Meliora Integrative Medicine, every cosmetic injectable treatment is approached with the same care and precision we bring to every aspect of your well-being. We understand that how you feel in your skin can impact your confidence, energy, and quality of life, and we’re here to support you on that journey.
Whether you’re exploring aesthetic treatments for the first time or returning to maintain your results, our personalized approach ensures you receive care that aligns with your natural features, lifestyle, and long-term goals. With a focus on safety, subtlety, and results that feel like you, we make it possible to age on your own terms — refreshed, empowered, and confident. Schedule your consultation today to take the next step toward looking and feeling your best, with results that reflect the most authentic version of you.