Collagen Injection

Woman Receiving a Beauty Treatment Injection

Collagen injections are a medical filler that help to give the skin a smoother and plumper appearance. In young skin the collagen framework is intact and elastic. It is resilient to environmental exposures and the facial expressions people make. Over time skin loses its elasticity and tone because the collagen support has worn down. Every facial expression we make puts stress on the skin and over time these expressions create lines and wrinkles. Collagen injections replenish the skin’s collagen and elasticity. The end result allows the skin to look enhanced and restored. There are different types of collagen products including Zyderm and Zyplast which are collagen products taken from cows. It is important to do a skin test prior to the first treatment in order to prevent an adverse reaction. These collagen products are placed just beneath the skin, in the dermis where the body will not reject it. CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast are bio-engineered human collagen products that are used to make fine lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable.

Costs

The cost of collagen injections range greatly based on a variety of factors. These factors include where you are getting the procedure done. If it is a high-end facility expect to pay more money for the procedure. The cost also depends on the skill and expertise of the health care professional administering the collagen injections. On average collagen fillers cost $300 to $400 per syringe, with many people requiring more than one syringe. Health insurance does not cover cosmetic collagen injections. Some treatment centers will allow you to finance your collagen injections, allowing you to pay monthly or with interest.

The Procedure

It is important to thoroughly research collagen fillers to ensure that the procedure is right for you. You should make sure that you have a skilled doctor that you can trust. Your doctor will go over expectations to see where on your face you would like to be treated and how many treatments you may need to get the desired outcome. Injections are not suitable for scars and some facial lines. A skin test may be performed first usually on the person’s forearm. The injection site will be closely monitored to look for any sort of allergic reaction. Most people who receive collagen injections are between 35 and 60 years of age. The candidate will have the appearance of wrinkles, frown lines, nasolabial folds and more. It is important that women who are expecting or are currently breast-feeding do not get collagen injections. People with allergies to cow products or with certain medical conditions should also not receive collagen injections. The doctor will give you local anesthesia to numb the area that is being treated. You may notice puffiness, redness, tenderness and slight bruising around the treated site. The collagen will then be injected into the predetermined sites. It may take multiple or continuous treatments to maintain the smoothing effect.

Risks

There is minimal risk involved with collagen injections. Some possible injections include uneven texture of the skin, allergic reaction and possible infection. It is important to contact your doctor if you notice any problems at the injection site.

Recovery

After receiving collagen injections you may experience minimal discomfort. The treated area may appear red for up to a week. At the injection site you might see some swelling and bruising. This typically subsides within 48 hours. This procedure is performed as out-patient and you can go home shortly after. The results are immediate and the final results will be visible within one week. Initially the treated area may appear to be overfilled, but this will dissipate quickly allowing for a more natural-looking experience. Results typically last for two to three months. It is important to stay out of the sun after the procedure so that the treated site has time to heal.

Follow-up

A follow treatment will be scheduled by your doctor based on your desired outcome. Many people will require multiple sessions in order to get the smoothness they desired. The results of collagen injections are not permanent with many people require multiple sessions to help maintain the smoothing and plumping effect. If you notice anything out of the ordinary including pain, irritated skin or bruising contact your doctor so that you can be evaluated.