In our quest to look younger, we usually start out with the creams and lotions pushed by the cosmetic industry to eliminate wrinkles and expression lines such as crow's feet, frown and forehead lines that have crept slowly into our face. We find that a good moisturizer will give the surface of the skin a smoother appearance, but just for a few hours. Creams and lotions, at best, are just a `temporary fix'. Those wrinkles, fine lines and grooves won't go away and just get deeper as we age. A relatively non-invasive procedure of injecting biological substances, such as collagen or the patient's own fat, or nonbiological synthetic agents under the skin, has more lasting results, usually up to six months or more, depending on the location of the `correction'.
These procedures can also help smooth scars from acne, trauma or surgery, or other skins defects. They work by lending support to underlying structures, thus raising the surface of the skin to give it a smoother, fuller appearance and the recovery period is generally shorter than in other facial rejuvenation procedures. The injection therapies that follow are noted for their immediate and dramatic effect on shallow facial wrinkles, lesions, and lines leaving patients with a more youthful look. And, the recovery time is very short compared to other facial rejuvenation methods. However, these methods do not give desired results for patients with excess facial skin, deep creases or scars. Other treatments are more appropriate and should be considered instead.