Procedure:

Plump up creased, furrowed, or sunken facial skin; add fullness to lips and backs of hands. Works best on thin, dry, light-colored skin.

Length:

15 minutes to 1 hour per session.

Anesthesia:

Collagen: usually none; local may be included with the injection. Fat: local.

In/Outpatient:

Outpatient.

Side Effects:

Temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation. Faint redness, swelling, excess fullness.

Risks:

Collagen: allergic reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible triggering of connective-tissue or autoimmune diseases. (A skin test is required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy exists.) Both: Contour irregularities, infection.

Duration of
Results:

Variable; a few months to 1 year.