CHICAGO -- A substance approved by the Food and Drug Administration for a number of medical procedures -- among them, procedures to strengthen vocal cords or prevent the bladder from leaking -- is now being used for cosmetic purposes, as well.

Linda Gariano, 54, said she wanted to look as young as she feels, and she did not like the lines forming from her nose to her lip area. In the past year, she tried laser treatments and collagen injections to gain a more youthful appearance, but she did not like the temporary results.

"I don't want to have to deal with the maintenance of coming back every three to four months," Gariano said. "And I didn't want anything as drastic as a face-lift."

Dr. Steve Block, a plastic surgeon, offered Gariano another option -- an injectable substance called Bioform or Radiance -- that fills in unwanted lines and wrinkles in a matter of minutes, even though the effects last for three to five years.

"The substance is made out of hydroxy-apatite, which is the mineral found in bones and teeth," Block said. "(It) has been used in medical professions for quite some time ... The only difference is that now we are using it to augment the soft tissues."

Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Byun is also offering Bioform to his patients. He said another benefit of Bioform over collagen is that it's compatible with the body.

"There are about 3 to 4 percent (of patients who have) allergic reaction with the collagen," Byun said. "With the Bioform, that has a zero allergy reaction -- that we recorded, so far."

Doctors say there can be minor clumping of the injected material in the lip area, but it usually goes away.

Another patient, Jennifer Barid, said Bioform gave her the look she wanted. Best of all, she said, was that it did not hurt.

"I have a low tolerance for pain, and all I felt was minor pressure," Barid said.

It costs about $1,200 to $1,500 to get an injection of Bioform.