We all get them because the lines that start with a smile, eventually get worn in by gravity and the breakdown of collagen. However, using the backhoe analogy, it is possible to fill in what nature has dug out.

Fillers or injectables have been around for a couple of decades; you've seen what these can do for starlets who want full, pouty lips. Basically, the filler is injected with tiny needles into deeper grooves like smile line wrinkles, between the eyebrows, sagging cheekbones or even to enhance the upper and lower lips. Acne, chicken pox and other depressed scars can also be improved with fillers.

In the interests of research, I took my naso-labial folds to Dr. Vera Madison. One of Toronto's most respected physicians, she doesn't believe in surgery and specializes in non-surgical cosmetic treatments. I was convinced to try Revanesse, the latest dermal-gel filler which contains the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid currently available. Developed by Prollenium Medical, Revanesse, Revanesse Ultra and ReDexis are concentrated forms of hyaluronic acid which is cross-linked for ultra-smooth and super long-lasting facial rejuvenation results.

While there are many different fillers on the market, hyaluronic acid fillers have become popular because they appear to offer fairly long-lasting results, as much as two years in some cases. Because these are natural substances which your own body produces, eventually it will simply break down and resorb the filler. So regular replacements are required. But according to Madison, after the first two or three times when you need a little more to fill in the deep lines, it's a matter of small amounts to "top up."

"Revanesse is easy to apply, it looks great, it lasts a long time, and patients have been really happy with it," Madison says. "You can do some innovative sculpting and volumatic fillings with it, such as around the nasal labial lines."

She adds that she even uses Revanesse Ultra to fill out the chin and cheeks. "It produces great results."

According to the company, the hyaluronic acid in Revanesse and Revanesse Ultra also contributes to high levels of skin hydration and texture improvement, with effects that can last up to a year. ReDexis contains a unique cross-linked sugar molecule that's magnetically charged to attract collagen and elastin to the injection site, stimulating tissue regrowth and contributing to a plumping effect that can last up to 18 months.

Madison warned me that there might be a little puffiness for a couple of days and some people might experience slight bruising at the injection sites, especially those who take aspirin regularly.

After freezing my face with dental block (the same as your dentist would use), she proceeded to fill up the cracks, injecting small amounts in a line along the wrinkle. I saw the difference immediately. The deep grooves were virtually gone.

Madison wanted to smooth out the "shovel" lines on either side of my nose so she added a little injection of botox to relax the muscles on either side. My face looked years younger very quickly. I was thrilled.

However, I was unlucky. While reactions to the filler are virtually unknown, I had a mild allergic reaction which resulted in swelling which lasted about four days. In fact, I was the author of my own misfortune to some degree. I didn't contact Madison who scolded me, telling me that she could have given me some prednisone which would quickly have reduced the swelling. I hasten to add that there was no pain though I looked pretty frightful.

I've forgotten all that however. The effects of one treatment with Revanesse were impressive. Madison suggested I return to get the left side (with the deeper groove) filled in further. This would eliminate the groove completely as it has on the right side. And she has suggested that perhaps I might not react to a different filler. There are many effective alternatives though most are not cross-linked as is Revanesse, so they won't last quite as long.

Treatments cost approximately $450-$650 per syringe. My lines were deep so she used four syringes on me. But in future, she assures me, I will require only one.

What happens after a year? If you never top up, your face simply slowly returns to its previous state; the grooves are no worse and might remain slightly better. But you can always do the occasional top up to keep your lines from resettling in.

Would I do it again? You betcha!