Collagen Injections

Collagen injections have been used for decades to treat minor imperfections in facial skin, including laugh lines, wrinkles, creases, crow’s feet, and acne scars. Collagen is also used to create fuller lips and cheeks and can be used to treat areas of the chest, back, and neck. However, facial collagen injections are by far the most common. In many cases, collagen treatment is combined with other procedures such as a face lift or laser skin resurfacing. Although collagen injections are safe, quick, and easy to administer, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified cosmetic surgeon who can discuss all of the available treatment options with you.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a natural protein found in bone, cartilage, skin, and tendons; there are 27 different types of naturally occurring collagens in the body. Certain collagens found in skin tissue are essential for skin strength and elasticity. Over time, this collagen breaks down, causing skin to lose its suppleness and begin to wrinkle and sag. In an effort to fight these signs of aging, many people turn to collagen injections to replace their original supply. Since it is a natural protein, there are relatively few side effects associated with its use in cosmetic procedures.

Candidates for Collagen Treatment

Most people opting for collagen treatment are 35 to 60 years old and would like to minimize early signs of aging such as faint or moderate smile and frown lines. Collagen injection treatment can also be used to achieve fuller, more voluptuous lips, as well as to touch up areas around the mouth and forehead where wrinkles have begun to reappear after previous cosmetic procedures. Older patients may also benefit from collagen injections, although ideal collagen candidates have skin that is still relatively flexible.

Collagen Injections – Benefits, Cost & Side Effects

Collagen injections may help erase frown lines, "crow's feet" and nasolabial folds or smile lines. Collagen injections have been around for a while, but have decreased in popularity with the introduction of soft tissue fillers such as Restylane, which can last longer.
In 2007, there were 174,290 collagen injections performed in the United States, down about 70 percent from 2000, according to statistics compiled by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

What Are Collagen Injections, and How Do They Work?

Collagen is the main protein found in connective tissue. It supports the skin, bone, cartilage and blood vessels. Collagen composes up to 80 percent of the skin. Its role is to maintain the skin's integrity, but collagen breaks down with advancing age. The breakdown of collagen during the aging process can lead to wrinkles, lines and folds. Collagen injections replenish the skin's natural collagen.
Several types of Collagen fillers are on the market. For example, collagen fillers containing human collagen include CosmoDerm and Cosmoplast. Cow (bovine) collagen fillers include Zyderm and Zyplast. ArteFill is a hybrid gel filler consisting of millions of synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) suspended in purified bovine (cow) collagen.

Ideal Candidates for Collagen Injections

Optimal candidates for collagen injections are typically between the ages of 35 and 60 with frown lines, "crow's feet" and nasolabial folds or smile lines.
People who should not receive collagen injections include those who are pregnant or nursing, people with allergies to cow products or lidocaine, or those with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

The Collagen Injection Procedure

Zyderm and Zyplast do require a skin test prior to the first treatment because of the risk of allergic reaction in some people.
Collagen injections are typically performed in the doctor's office. They are most often performed without anesthesia, although the collagen filler itself contains lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic. Collagen is injected with a tiny needle into the skin depressions. Several injections may be needed, depending on the length and depth of the wrinkle. The procedure takes less than an hour.
The points of injection are "scored" by the doctor with a pencil. Your doctor may select numerous injection points for each location slated for treatment. Antiseptic is also applied. Your doctor will then decide on the correct amount of collagen to be used. The collagen filler is injected into the marked points beneath the skin.

Collagen Cost and Financing Information

Compared to more invasive surgical procedures, the cost of collagen injections is quite low, making it an economical as well as convenient way to smooth wrinkles. The procedure takes very little time – usually between 30 and 60 minutes – and patients are able to return home immediately following their collagen treatment. These factors contribute to the low cost of the procedure.

Types of Collagen Fillers

There are two main types of collagen fillers used in cosmetic procedures, bovine- and human-based fillers. Since some people are allergic to products derived from cows, patients should verify with their doctor that bovine-derived collagen (the most common) is suitable for them prior to treatment.

The Collagen Treatment Process

The actual collagen injection procedure is relatively straightforward. Treatment typically occurs at the doctor’s office and usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. On the basis of each patient’s cosmetic needs, doctors place collagen injections in areas that will optimize the elimination of wrinkles and facial lines. Within a couple of days, patients usually begin to see noticeable improvements in their appearance, and any puffiness or bruising resulting from treatment disappears.

Collagen Injection FAQs

Many people are unaware of all that collagen injections have to offer. In addition to producing fuller lips, they can minimize or even eliminate wrinkles in the forehead area, crow’s feet around the eyes, laugh and frown lines, certain scars, and many other cosmetic defects. If you are relatively young and beginning to experience any of these issues, collagen treatment may help. To learn more, review DocShop’s frequently asked questions regarding collagen.

Risks and Benefits of Collagen Injections

Facial collagen injections are a safe and effective way to achieve shapely lips and smoother, less wrinkled skin. However, patients should be aware that the treatment does involve possible risks and complications, including allergic reactions, uneven skin tone around the treatment area, and infection. As with any cosmetic procedure, patients should have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of collagen treatment before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Recovery After Collagen Injections

You may experience some minimal discomfort from the collagen injection. There may be some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within 48 hours. The treated area may look red for the first 24 hours, and this may last up to a week.
You can go home shortly after the procedure. The results are immediate and become fully evident within one week. In some cases, the treated area may appear to be overfilled initially. However, this will dissipate soon after to produce a more natural-looking appearance. Results may be unpredictable, lasting from two to three months.
You can resume normal activities immediately; however, it is advisable to stay out of the sun. Tell your doctor about any unmanageable pain or symptoms that are progressive or abnormal.

Complications and Risks of Collagen Injections

Complications from collagen fillers are typically minimal. Some possible complications include uneven texture of the skin, an allergic reaction, infection, abscess and scarring.