What
is collagen?
Collagen
is a natural protein that provides structural support. It is found throughout
the body - in skin, muscle, tendon, and bone. Fibers of collagen are woven together
like threads in fabric to form a framework into which new cells can grow. In the
skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency, and shape. Human beings are constantly
producing collagen, but as we age, our collagen breaks down faster than it can
be replaced.
How Long
Does Treatment Take?
One
of the major advantages to collagen treatments is the short treatment time. No
anesthesia is necessary because collagen injections contain lidocaine, which has
a numbing effect, making the process very comfortable for the client. Treatment
usually takes less than an hour (depending on the number of injections required),
and there is virtually no recovery time, letting you get on with your day.
What are the Side Effects of Collagen lip treatments?
Any
side effects from collagen therapy are minor and include a temporary swelling
or bruising at the site of injection, a slight throbbing or stinging directly
after treatment, and redness. Following treatment, patients will be able to resume
normal activity.
How Long
Will it Take to See the Results?
You
will see improvement immediately after the treatment. However, there is a likelihood
of temporary swelling that will subside within several hours.
Are the
Effects of Collagen Permanent?
The
length of time the collagen effects last depends on many factors. Typically, 3
to 6 months may go by before touchup or maintenance treatments are required. Depending
on the individual's skin type this time frame may vary. In some cases the collagen
injections stimulate the body's own production of collagen, and improvement can
last more than a year. Some patients do maintain the injected volume permanently
(although rare), but in other patients the results may fade after only a few months,
as injected material is eventually metabolized by the body. Longevity of a treatment
may also be related to the muscle activity in the area. Areas with intense, repetitive
muscle activity seem to metabolize the collagen more rapidly than areas with less
muscle activity. Because of this, collagen injections are sometimes combined with
Botox injections to paralyze the regional muscles and prolong the effects of the
injected collagen.
Can anyone
be treated with Collagen Injections?
No.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and administer a skin test
to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for treatment. If you have a
history of allergy to other bovine (cow) collagen products, severe allergies (indicated
by a history of anaphylaxis [shock], or a history of presence of multiple severe
allergies), if you are currently on corticosteroid or immunosuppressive therapy,
e.g., prednisone, or are undergoing or planning to undergo desensitization injections
to meat products, you cannot receive injectable collagen. Also, people who are
sensitive to lidocaine cannot receive collagen implants, as a small amount of
this anesthetic is contained in Collagen injections, and in the Collagen Test
Implant.
How often
will I need a "touch-up" injection?
Most
patients who choose to receive touch-ups for lines or furrows do so within 3 to
12 months of the original treatment series. For scars the time between touch-ups
may be longer. But keep in mind that the amount of collagen used to restore full
correction will be considerably less than that used in the initial treatment series.
