Skin Wrinkle Treatments, Collagen, Restylane, Fat Injections, and Other Fillers
For a younger look with no surgery

For some wrinkles, the injection of substances called "fillers" can plump the skin and help you to look younger without surgery. The doctor will discuss with you the best filler to use to achieve your desired results.

What are Skin Wrinkle Treatments, Collagen, Restylane, Fat Injections, and Other Fillers?
Many skin wrinkle treatments exist to diminish the appearance of lines. Most fillers are natural substances already contained in the body, such as collagen, Restylane, and fat, which are injected with a very fine needle. In the case of fat injections, the fat is actually taken from another part of your own body.

What Can Skin Wrinkle Treatments, Collagen, Restylane, Fat Injections, and Other Fillers Do For Me?
* Skin wrinkle treatments and fillers can reduce the appearance of laugh or smile lines.
* Crow's feet can be diminished with skin wrinkle treatments and fillers.
* Skin wrinkle treatments and fillers can smooth out facial creases or furrows.
* Sunken areas of skin can be filled in and "plumped" by skin wrinkle treatments.
* Skin wrinkle treatments leave no scars, and recovery is fast and easy compared to surgery.
* The results of skin wrinkle treatments, collagen, Restylane, fat injections, and other fillers can be seen immediately after treatment.
* The effects of these treatments are not permanent and will need to be repeated from time to time to maintain their results.
* For severe wrinkle problems, a face lift may be recommended in place of non-surgical wrinkle treatments.

What Do Skin Wrinkle Treatments, Collagen, Restylane, Fat Injections, and Other Fillers Feel Like?
* Injections are made with a very fine needle at various points in the wrinkled areas. As with any injections, you may feel a slight sting. A mild local anesthetic can be used to diminish your discomfort.
* Even though collagen is a natural substance which your body already contains, collagen injections require a test a few weeks prior to your procedure to make sure you will not have an allergic reaction.
* If you receive fat injections, the fat must be taken from another part of your body to be used in the wrinkled areas. Therefore, you have more than one area to heal. There is no risk of allergic reaction since the substance used is from your own body, but the results of fat injections may not last as long as other substances.
* In the case of fat injections, a local anesthetic is used for both the area where the fat is removed and the area where it is injected. If the areas to be treated are large, a sedative may be given to make you drowsy during the procedure.
* Botox injections are another option to temporarily paralyze the area where the wrinkle has occurred. See the page on Botox Injections for more information.
* Restylane is a gel consisting of hyaluronic acid, a substance which all living things produce. Wrinkling is often caused by a reduction of this acid as we age. Therefore, replacing the acid through Restylane injections is an excellent way to reverse the effects of aging.
* Skin wrinkle treatments generally take less than an hour and sometimes can be completed in only a few minutes.

What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
* All skin wrinkle treatments, collagen, Restylane, fat injections, and other fillers are outpatient procedures, and you may go home the same day.
* You may return to work and resume all normal activities immediately.
* No bandages are required.
* You may experience some minor swelling, throbbing, itching, and redness for a few days after the procedure. There is also a slight possibility of mild bruising or scabbing. Mild pain medication can be taken or cold compresses may be applied, but most patients find these measures unnecessary.
* The effects of most injectable substances last approximately six months, but the amount of time varies from person to person. Some patients have reported that Restylane injections can last as long as a year. Because each injectable substance is natural, your body will gradually absorb it and diminish its effects.
* If a sedative was given, you should have someone available to drive you home, as you may be drowsy.
* Because your body will absorb some of the substance immediately after the injections, the doctor will inject a little bit more to compensate for this immediate loss.
* Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun for a period of time, and you should take steps to protect it with a high SPF sunblock or sunscreen.

What are the Risks of Skin Wrinkle Treatments, Collagen, Restylane, Fat Injections, and Other Fillers?
Skin wrinkle treatments, collagen, Restylane, fat injections, and other fillers are very safe procedures. However, all medical procedures involve slight risks. The most common problems in those with complications are allergic reaction, lumps, peeling, sores, or infection.