Collagen Injections - Are They Right For You?

Reviewed by Yael Halaas, MD

Before there were Juvederm, Restylane, Sculptra and other soft tissue fillers, there were collagen injections. And many an aging individual turned to collagen injections to banish frown lines, crow's feet and nasolabial folds, or smile lines. In fact, many still do.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin. Our skin is comprised of several layers. The outer layer is called the epidermis, and the second layer is the dermis. Fully 80 percent of the dermis is made up of collagen. This protein also supports bone, cartilage and blood vessels.

Our skin's natural collagen supply tends to decrease as we age, but collagen injections may help replenish our natural supply and add volume to facial folds. Some newer fillers, like Radiesse, actually stimulate your body's own natural collagen production.

Speaking of which, you can also tap into your own collagen supply and basically design your own filler. Autologen, a collagen from your own skin, can be harvested during a previous operation. It is then sterilized and processed into a liquid form, which can be safely stored for five years and injected as needed.

Types of Collagen Injections

There are several collagen fillers on the market today. They include Artefill, Cosmoplast/Cosmoderm, Zyderm/ Zyplast and Evolence. (Manufacturer Johnson & Johnson recently announced that it will stop selling Evolence, although some doctors may still be using up product they have on hand.)

Some types of collagen injections require an allergy test while others do not. The different types of injections also vary by how long their results last.

If you opt for one of the bovine-based collagen products (Zyderm and Zyplast), you will need an allergy test. The same is true for Artefill, a hybrid gel filler consisting of millions of synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) suspended in purified bovine (cow) collagen with a local anesthetic. There is no allergy test required for Cosmoderm or Cosmoplast, which are human-based collagen injections. Evolence is made from pig-based collagen, and no allergy test is needed because porcine collagen is genetically similar to human collagen.

Artefill provides permanent results, and Evolence lasts for close to one year. Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast, Zyderm and Zyplast last for two to four months.

See our chart comparing injectable fillers to find out what collagen fillers are used for, including both FDA-approved and off-label uses.

Collagen Injection Recovery

There may be some initial swelling, bruising and discomfort after collagen injections. This usually subsides within two days. Expect some redness in the treated area.

Your aesthetic results are visible almost immediately and will become fully evident within one week. Do not be alarmed if your facial folds look overfilled after your collagen injection. This is temporary, and your results will gradually begin to look more natural.

Your doctor will give you a list of instructions about what you can and can't do before and after collagen injections. This may include avoiding certain medications that may increase bleeding risk, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as some herbal or homeopathic remedies. You will likely be able to wear makeup after the procedure as long as you do not rub or aggravate the treated area. It is a good idea to avoid strenuous exercise, the sun and alcohol during the first week after the injections. These can all increase your risk of experiencing complications.

Collagen Injections Complications

An allergic reaction is the main risk with collagen injections, but this can be avoided with allergy testing. Some other possible complications include uneven skin texture, infection, abscess, lumps, open sores, reactivation of herpes virus, scarring, skin death (necrosis), and skin peeling. Choosing a skilled injector minimizes your risk of complications following collagen injections.

Collagen Injection Cost

Collagen fillers cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 per syringe, depending on the type of collagen filler you choose and the size and depth of the treated area(s). Some people require more than one syringe.

Insurers generally do not cover the costs of solely cosmetic procedures. If the collagen injection cost is higher than you can pay at once, ask your surgeon about payment plans or financing options.

To view a comparison chart explaining the pros and cons of all available injectables, please click here.

 

In addition to non-invasive treatments, All About Facial Rejuvenation covers a number of surgical options, including facelift, rhinoplasty, forehead lift and eyelid surgery.

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(Updated on 01/31/2012)
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