This technique involves taking fat from another part of the body, usually the stomach or thighs, and then injecting it along the facial crease. The procedure takes less than 1 hour for a series of injections and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Minimal redness at injections sites and swelling are common, however symptoms usually diminish within a few hours of the procedure.

Special techniques have allowed for better and longer lasting results. Collagen injections are another popular method of treating laugh lines. Collagen occurs naturally in the second layer of skin and provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. As a person ages, the constant stress of smiling and squinting causes the collagen to break down. Bovine Collagen can be purchased by plastic surgeons from an FDA approved source.

There are new techniques being developed that allow the harvesting of a patients own collagen for re-injection. A series of Collagen injections takes less than 1 hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Minimal redness at injection sites and swelling are common, however symptoms usually diminish within a few hours of the procedure. The results of collagen injections last about 3 months.