COLLAGEN

What is collagen?
Collagen is a natural protein found in the skin and other tissues. It provides the structural support for the skin. Fibers of collagen are woven together and are found in the second layer of skin (the dermis). As we age, collagen thins and wrinkles occur.

What problems can collagen be used for?
Collagen injections are good for fine lines and wrinkles and superficial contour problems. It can be used to restore the border of the lips and enhance lip volume, evaluate acne scarring, and soften deeper, furrowed lines such as the nasolabial folds.

Are there any skin depressions that do not respond to collagen injections?
Yes. Depressions with sharp edges such as “ice pick” scars do not respond to these treatments?

What types of collagen are available?
Two main types of collagen exist. One is derived from highly purified bovine (cow) collagen – Zyderm and Zyplast. The other is produced from human fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) – Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast. The bovine collagen requires a skin test four weeks prior to treatment to ensure there is no allergic response.

How long does collagen last?
Collagen is a temporary filler substance. Treatments typically last from 3 to 5 months. Periodic touch-up injections are needed to maintain maximum correction and often require less filler than that used in the initial treatment.

How is collagen placed in the skin?
With the use of a small needle, collagen is placed into the dermis where the existing thinned collagen is. This creates elevation of the skin allowing lines and scars to be minimized.

Are the injections painful?
The injections may be uncomfortable. However, Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast contain a small amount of lidocaine (a local anesthetic). Topical anesthetics can be used to diminish any discomfort and local nerve blocks can be administered in the physician’s office for the lip area.

What are the side effects of collagen injections?
Immediately after treatment, it is normal to experience the following:

• mild redness and swelling
• slight bruising

Uncommon side effects include:

• Although unlikely, collagen may be visible in the skin in the form a raised or white area. This may persist from a few weeks to several months.
• Additionally, there is the possibility of a delayed allergic response to bovine collagen.