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Collagen Treatments
 
Injectable cosmetic fillers have provided a solution for patients to rejuvenate their facial appearance without incisions and a minimal amount of downtime. Collagen is just one of the fillers available in the market today. The collagen used comes from highly purified bovine collagen. By injecting collagen into the skin, it adds volume, improves texture and can smooth out wrinkles. This minimally-invasive procedure can temporarily treat such conditions as wrinkles and other creases in the facial area. What results is a longer-lasting, youthful facial appearance.

Collagen can be used to either smooth wrinkles, sculpt lips or fill in scars. What results is a healthy, more youthful, and fuller appearance. This has grown in popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 576,255 patients received Collagen Injections in 2003.

If you are considering Collagen injections, the following information will provide you with a basic introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist who is board certified or has extensive experience in administering Collagen injections.
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What are some of the most common benefits of collagen treatment?
  • Improve skin texture
  • Fill out wrinkles and some scars
  • More sensuous lips
  • Smoother skin
  • More youthful appearance
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    How are collagen treatments performed?
    A skin test is usually performed several weeks before receiving any collagen injection. This is done to determine if an allergic reaction could occur as a result of the Collagen.

    The actual treatment itself is very brief. Receiving Collagen injections can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. This all depends on the amount of the area that needs to be treated. During the treatment, the practitioner injects tiny amounts of Collagen into the skin using a very fine needle. Areas of injection are located along the edge of the treatment site. The practitioner may slightly overfill the area, which will eventually be absorbed in a few days.

    Patients can return to their normal activities soon after receiving the injections.
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    How long do treatments take?
    The Collagen injections can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on how large of an area needs to be treated.
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    Where are the treatments performed?
    Injections are usually administered at the doctor’s office.
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    How much pain is there?
    An advantage to the Collagen procedure is that it enhances one’s appearance with a minimal amount of pain. Collagen is mixed in with the anesthetic agent lidocaine.

    Although pain is minimal, patient can request to have a topical anesthetic applied.
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    What can I expect after collagen treatment?
    The results of these injections can be seen almost immediately following treatment. Areas may be bruised, red or swollen, but that should only last for only one or two days. The results of the Collagen can last six months or even longer. Results may vary. Factors such as age, skin type, daily activities can influence how long the results of Collagen will last. Areas with significant muscle movement will experience faster disappearance of collagen.

    Patients can choose to undergo another set of injections. Going in for a following treatment before the results of the previous Collagen injections disappear will help maintain the lasting effect. Those that do not undergo a follow-up treatment will find their results returning to a pre-treatment state. Discuss with your practitioner to plan future visits.
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    Ideal Candidate:
    In general, the best candidates for Collagen injections are:
    • Physically healthy
    • Psychologically stable
    • Wanting to look younger and more refreshed
    • Wanting to enhance their facial appearance
    • Well informed in regard to the procedure’s outcome
    • Realistic in their expectations
    The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your physician will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your physician if he/she considers you an ideal candidate for Collagen.
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    Other important information:
    The FDA approved the use of injectable collagen in 1981.
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    Risk and limitations:
    The biggest risk involved with collagen injections is an allergic reaction to the product. This risk is reduced through a skin test. Those that undergo skin test should watch for any sign of redness, itching, swelling or other occurrences. Other significant risks associated with Collagen injections are rare, but the potential side effects to the treatment are:
    • Infection
    • Skin Peeling
    • Scarring
    • Lumpiness
    Consult your doctor for more detailed information on the safety of Collagen.
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    Collagen Costs:
    The average cost of a collagen treatment session was $394 in 2007 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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    Choosing a doctor:
    We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a doctor who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a doctor in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Dermatologist for a more detailed discussion.
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    Questions to ask your doctor:
    The following questions should help you to select your doctor, and better understand the procedure.
    1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
    2. How should I prepare my skin for the treatment?
    3. Where is the procedure performed? How long will it take?
    4. Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of the collagen injections?
    5. How much does the procedure cost?
    6. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
    7. How long has your practice offered collagen injections?
    8. What percentages of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you)
    9. When should I start noticing the results of the collagen injections?
    10. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
    11. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
    12. May I have the names and contact information for several patients that have recently received collagen injections? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the physician.)
    13. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the procedure? (Either on videotape or live.)
    14. What should I expect post-operatively in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity? Ask if your doctor has a list of activities that you should avoid.
    15. Who will be assisting during the procedure? What are their qualifications? (Does the dermatologist perform the entire procedure?)
    16. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
    17. Can I have the skin test done today?
    18. Do you offer patient financing?
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    Be sure to:
    • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements).
    • Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical conditions.
    • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
    • Carefully follow any instructions your doctor gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
    The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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    Related procedures:
    Restylane

    Fat Injections
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    How do I finance this procedure?
    Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnhance patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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