Those laugh lines that you had so much fun earning may not be as funny as they used to be. Through the process of aging, our skin loses its youthful appearance. As our facial muscles get a daily workout, the not-so-popular results culminate in many types of lines, wrinkles, and sagging or lax skin. If the face that looks back at you in the mirror is not pleasing to you anymore, collagen fillers may an option.

Collagen injections may improve deep and fine wrinkles on the forehead, crow's feet, laugh lines, frown lines, scars, thin lips, naso-labial folds (deep folds produced by sagging skin that hangs from the nose to the mouth), vermilion border wrinkles (wrinkles that accumulate around the mouth), or depressed scars.

Collagen is an essential protein complex found in the human body. Collagen molecules form fibrils that produce necessary fibres for our bodies. The configuration of fibres is the foundation for tissue formation. Collagen supports the skin, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels in our bodies.

Collagen fillers are classified as two types:

• Collagen fillers containing human collagen much like that found in skin. Manufacturers of this type of collagen filler include CosmoDerm and Cosmoplast.
• Collagen fillers that are bovine-based or mammal-based. Manufacturers of this type of collagen filler are Zyderm and Zyplast.

Candidates for this type of treatment are typically between 35 and 60. People who should not receive collagen injections include those who are pregnant or nursing, people with allergies to bovine products or lidocaine, or those with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Collagen injections are typically performed in the doctor's office. They are most often performed without anaesthesia, although the collagen filler itself contains lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic.

The careful selection of injection points is critical to the success of the treatment. The points of injection are "scored" by the doctor with a marking pencil. Your doctor may select numerous injection points for each location to be treated. Antiseptic is also applied. Your doctor will then decide on the correct amount of collagen to be used. The collagen filler is injected into the marked points beneath the skin.

You may experience some minimal discomfort from the needle injection. Depending upon the extent of treatment, the procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes. You can go home shortly after the procedure.

Wrinkles or depress scars are significantly improved immediately following the procedure. In some cases, the treated area may initially appear to be overfilled. However, this will dissipate soon after to produce a more natural-looking appearance. Results are fully evident within one week. Collagen fillers do not necessarily result in 100 percent improvements, nor are the results permanent. Results may be unpredictable, lasting from two to three months.

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within 48 hours. The treated area may appear red for the first 24 hours and may last up to a week.

Normal activities can be resumed immediately; however, you are advised to stay out of the sun. Unmanageable pain or any symptoms that are progressive or abnormal should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Complications are possible with any medical procedure — complications from collagen fillers are typically minimal. Some possible complications include uneven texture of the skin, an allergic reaction, infection, abscess, and scarring. Your doctor can answer questions about complications and their proper treatment during your initial consultation.