As we age, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, sun exposure and years of facial muscle movement—such as smiling, chewing and squinting.  The underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and plumped up begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, smile lines, crow’s feet or facial creases over the areas where this muscle movement occurs.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

<o:p> </o:p>

<o:p>Soft tissue fillers, most commonly injectable collagen, Hylaform®, Restylane®, Radiesse® or fat, can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.  When injected beneath the skin, these fillers plump up creased and sunken areas of the face.  They can also add fullness to the lips and cheeks.  The procedure takes only minutes and patients can return to normal activities immediately.  There may be some temporary swelling and redness in the treated area which should dissipate within a few days.  Bruising is possible with fat injections but this can usually be covered with make-up.
   </o:p>