Throughout history, people have looked for ways to achieve a younger, more vibrant look by improving their facial appearance. A new wave of fillers, deemed far more in sync with actual skin tissue than their predecessors, has hit the market. Two of the new treatments- Dermolgen, a bovine- collagen substitue, and Allo-Derm, an injectable implant- are culled from human cadaver tissue. Within a year, the European superstar hyaluronic acid is expected to clear FDA hurdles and be available nationwide. And then there's Artecolle, a partially permanent filler already in use in Europe that may eventually make it's way here. Comprising micronized plastic beads and bovine collage, it works on this basic premise: After injection, the collagen dissipates, leaving the plastic beads behind to plump the skin. Like hyaluronic acid, it's not yet approved by the FDA.

A new procedure using Botulinum Toxin or Botox, has been developed to treat the aging face by removing wrinkles. This procedure, sometimes referred to as cosmetic denervation, has been widely used and is considered a safe, effective way of treating aging skin. It is used to eliminate or reduce worry and frown lines, "crow's feet", laugh lines and other wrinkles sometimes called dynamic wrinkles.

The procedure works by physiologically weakening facial muscles beneath the skin that are related to expression lines. The contractions of those muscles result in wrinkles. Botox works by blocking the impulses from the nerve to the facial muscles thereby relaxing them. The result is that the pull of the underlying facial muscles relax causing the skin to flatten.

Because there is no sedative or anesthetic used, patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. The physician may recommend that the patient not lie down for 3 or 4 hours following treatment. Some facial exercises may be recommended. The treatment takes three to five days to take effect and lasts from four to six months.

When the toxin begins to wear off, the wrinkles begin to reappear; however, they frequently are not as deep as the original ones. It usually takes two or three injections each year to maintain the smooth, youthful appearance that is desired. Clinical studies suggest that, after several rounds of treatment, the patient may require injections less often.