Collagen Injections Defined

What is Collagen? What Are Injections?

Collagen is a naturally occurring substance found in the body that allows the skin to retain its integrity and prevents the skin from breaking down and losing elasticity. Collagen gradually breaks down and is lost during aging, which leads to sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. In the past the only source of collagen was through creams and lotions and many women have claimed great results through their use. A new source of collagen, provided through injection, is administered beneath the skin to replenish the body’s own naturally diminishing supply. There are a few types of collagen fillers available, but most produce approximately equal results.

Why Should I Choose Injections Over Cheaper Collagen Cream?

Collagen creams are no substitute for actual collagen injected into the skin. Creams can only address the surface layers of skin and cannot penetrate deep enough to make any substantial changes to the lower layers of tissue. Although creams can help retain moisture and regular use can present supple moist skin, the collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin and so creams cannot provide lasting results. These creams can only provide results with daily applications.

What Happens During A Collagen Injection Treatment?

Collagen injections are typically performed at a clinic or in the office of a cosmetic medical provider. The treatments consist of a series of injections to the affected area. The doctor will use a marker to indicate the points at which he or she will make the injections and the entire process will usually be finished within the span of 10-30 minutes. Some patients do not require any anesthetic, but for those who are worried about discomfort several of these injections are available with lidocaine, which provides enough of a local anesthetic effect to make the injections feasible for most patients. For patients who do not request painkiller and find the treatments to be too irritating, ice can usually provide sufficient numbness to the areas to finish the treatments.

Although patients may experience some pain during the procedure and minimal irritation, swelling and bruising for a day or two after treatment, these reactions generally subside within several days. Redness may last slightly longer, up to a week, but should also subside shortly. Otherwise, some results of collagen injections are immediate and the full effect is usually visible within a week. Uneven areas should soon even out as the collagen dissipates into the surrounding tissue and the effects have been said to last for 2-3 months and longer. This process does not involve sedation and patients can drive themselves home and go on with their life as usual immediately after treatment. Some physicians recommend that it is best to stay out of the sun for a while.

Collagen injections are not yet covered by insurance. If the cost of injections is beyond your price range ask your surgeon about payment options. Some cosmetic offices offer payment schedules and will be perfectly happy to work with patients. Many cosmetic medical providers now choose to offer financing options for treatments like this that are not covered by insurance.

Contact A Licensed Collagen Injection Provider

If you are interested in receiving collagen injections and would like more information schedule a consultation with a doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor how much experience they have in providing the treatment, what type of filler is best for you, what the possible side effects are, how long the procedure will take, how long healing will take, about possible risks and anything else that you are concerned with regarding collagen injections.