A common treatment for deep lines and wrinkles of the face is the injection of a soft-tissue filler such as collagen. This material is injected into the skin crease or skin fold in an attempt to eliminate or to minimize the depth of the skin furrow. Collagen is a normal body protein and it is a component of skin and soft tissues of the body. Collagen injectable is a synthetic form of this protein made from cows by the Collagen corporation in a laboratory. It is very similar to the naturally occurring human form of collagen protein. Its safety and use have been regulated by the Food and Drug Administration since 1981.

All patients who desire collagen treatment must first have a skin test to determine whether they have an allergy to collagen injectable. Although quite uncommon, if an allergy exists then collagen should not be used as a skin-filling agent. The injection of collagen is a short, office procedure with the improvement evident immediately. Occasionally after treatment, there will be some minor swelling or redness which disappears within a day. The longevity of collagen injections vary but in most patients improvement can last 3 to 4 months when it will need to be repeated in order to maintain the effect.