Collagen is a protein which supports the skin and as a result, injecting collagen into aging skin may seem to be an inevitable way to plump up the skin and create an appearance of youth, without having to undergo surgery.
More recently, collagen fillers have been increasingly replaced by alternative injectable fillers, largely based upon hyaluronic acid such as Restylane or restylane cream. Restylane fillers are capable of plumping up skin and reducing wrinkles in addition to stimulating collagen production in the skin. Another good one is Juvederm
A widely adopted wrinkle treatment is the dermal filler. If you are contemplating which type of collagen filler is the most appropriate for you, the following information will aid your decision.Collagen fillers were amongst the first injectable fillers to emerge as an anti aging procedure.
Perhaps you are curious about collagen sourcing. Collagen can either be bovine or human derived. Bovine collagen has been around much longer than human collagen. In addition, bovine collagen proves much cheaper. Common brands of bovine collagen include Zyderm and Zyplast.
Human collagen is typically derived from numerous sources, including circumcised human foreskins. This may result in human collagen injectables sounding highly unappealing. The source of the collagen should be of little concern – the manner in which it is treated and tested following extraction should be the main concern.
It is a requirement that all tissue derived from humans is tested for infectious diseases and is treated to ensure that all cells are removed prior to being processed into a form suitable for injection. Common brands of injectable human collagen include Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast.
If you decide upon a procedure which involves bovine collagen, it is advisable to undergo a skin test to ensure that you are not allergic to this type of collagen. The test is simple and involves injecting a small quantity of collagen into the forearm.
The area in which the collagen has been injected will be examined after 2 to 3 days and once again 4 weeks later to ensure that no inflammation has emerged as a result of the injection. Approximately 3% of individuals will test positive and will therefore prove unsuitable for treatments involving bovine collagen.
A fine needle is used to insert collagen fillers into the skin. Collagen is typically inserted in the vicinity of the area to be treated. Injectable human collagen fillers possess anesthetic, meaning that pain should not be felt during the procedure.
As salt water is contained within the injection, the area will be overfilled by the individual conducting the procedure. Tissue will absorb the salt water within days of the injection and area will become plumped up and will smooth out, exhibiting a reduction in the signs of aging. Following treatment, redness and soreness will result but this will disappear within days.
You will not be required to wear a bandage following treatment and you will be able to immediately resume normal activities. You will be able to wear cosmetics and sunscreen.
A major disadvantage of injected collagen is that it is rapidly broken down by enzymes in the body. This means that repeated injections are required.
Bovine derived collagen has a shorter life span than human collagen. Expensive forms of injectable human collagen will typically last for a maximum of 6 months while bovine collagen will last a maximum of 3 months.
One disconcerting factor relates to the unpredictable nature of the results of collagen filler procedures. With regards to the lip area, it is known that some women reabsorb collagen filler in less than one month.
Providing that the procedure is conducted by a skilled, experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon, the use of collagen fillers presents few risks and serious complications prove extremely rare.
The greatest risk presented by collagen fillers is that of an allergic reaction however, a skin test will determine whether you are allergic to the type of collagen that is to be used. Bovine collagen is more probable to result in an allergy than human collagen. Bovine collagen is associated with a 3-7% risk of an allergic reaction.
Additional but rare risks include open sores, scarring, lump formation, abscesses, infection and skin peeling. A higher risk is associated with inexperienced or poorly skilled surgeons. In individuals who have previously been afflicted by cold sores, cold sores may result from the injection of collagen around the lips.
Collagen fillers are not recommended for those suffering from certain forms of arthritis and conditions of the skin. Individuals affected by acne should avoid collagen fillers due to a heightened risk of infection.
If you suffer from the aforementioned conditions, alternative injectable fillers or less invasive procedures may prove more suitable.