Collagen skin treatments are used to fill lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, nose and forehead. Collagen can also be used to fill some acne and other facial scars. Many patients get collagen injections to plump their lips. Collagen contains Zyderm(R) and Zyplast(R). Collagen replacement therapy has been proven safe and effective for almost 20 years. It has been used in over one million treatments. Zyderm and Zyplast are the only injectable collagen products to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
How does collagen work?
People naturally have collagen in the organic support structure of their skin. As a person ages, this natural collagen thins and wrinkles form. Without enough collagen, wrinkles and lines begin to form whenever the skin moves. Collagen replacement treatments help to replenish the skin's collagen layer by smoothing lines and wrinkles. Collagen implants are natural products derived from highly purified bovine collagen. They are injected just under the surface of the skin. Just like your own collagen, your body will eventually absorb these implants. When somebody discontinues treatments, the injected collagen is simply reabsorbed and the area treated gradually returns to its natural contours.
Is collagen replacement therapy safe?
Before treatment, we will perform a skin test on your forearm to check your sensitivity to collagen. You will need to watch this area carefully over a four-week period. We will give you specific information about which medications to avoid during this time. About 97% of people tested show no reaction to the skin test and can receive the collagen treatments. If you have a reaction to the skin test or are allergic to lidocaine, collagen may not be used.
What happens during collagen replacement therapy?
First, the area to be treated will be gently cleansed. We will insert the collagen with an extremely fine needle into the areas you have selected for treatment. Some people experience an initial stinging sensation, but it is minimal because the collagen implants contain the numbing agent lidocaine. The treatment only takes a short time, is virtually painless, and has a very short recovery period. The results are immediate.
What happens after collagen replacement therapy?
The benefits of collagen treatments are visible immediately, and usually last three to six months. The more frequently you receive collagen treatments, the longer they last as studies have shown that injected collagen may stimulate the deposition of your own collagen at injection sites. There is a possibility that part or all of the treatments may last up to one year.
You may resume normal activities following your appointment. Your skin may become slightly swollen at the treatment sites, but this generally subsides within 24 hours.