BOTOX Cosmetic® or Botulinum injections For signs of aging that are specifically caused by the muscles, BOTOX Cosmetic® or botulinum injections are the most effective noninvasive solution. Common problems involve frown lines, forehead furrows, crow's feet and lines and/or wrinkles of the lower face. Having minute amounts of botulinum toxin injected selectively into a variety of muscle groups, you can rid yourself of those lines of laughter, anger, and grief that have etched in your skin over the years. Dr. Liu recommends BOTOX Cosmetic® as "preventative maintenance," meaning that it can treat early signs of aging by minimizing wrinkles and lines to become more pronounced by restricting their source (i.e. the muscles that form the lines and wrinkles.) The effects of the treatments can last anywhere from four to six months, results may vary depending how strong the muscle is and how many units were used. Most patients see Dr. Liu for follow-up treatments and continue presenting a more youthful look. As a specialist in the eyelids and face, Dr. Liu also uses Botox in innovative ways to revise and correct abnormalities in the face be it for abnormal anatomy or revisional surgeries from other physicians, often times avoiding the need for surgery Possible side effects include temporary droopy eyelids, swelling, bruising, burning sensation and short-term headache. Prior to being treated, you should take some precautions. Avoid using aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, St. John's Wort, or Vitamin E supplements as they may increase bruising or bleeding at the injection site. Be sure to let our medical staff know prior to your appointment if you have experienced cold sores in the past so we can help prevent any recurrence. Whenever facial injections are done, some clients may experience minor swelling, tenderness or bruising. Dr. Liu helps minimize these minor side effects with certain �tricks of the trade� that will be discussed during your appointment.