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Collagen Implantation Collagen Implantation | Procedure | Recovery
Understanding collagen implantation
Collagen has proven effective for the temporary treatment of small lines such as those found in the forehead, around the lips and in other areas of the face. Some depressed scars also respond well to collagen injections.
Collagen is a natural protein that provides structure in the body. It is found in skin, muscle, tendons and bone. In the skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape. Over time, this cushion wears down and lines may appear in various areas. By injecting collagen material directly into areas where the body's own collagen has weakened, depressions can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Lines and scars can be minimized and the skin texture may be improved.
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Understanding the procedure
Understanding the recovery
During a consultation, Dr. English discusses the medical history and facial lines and/or depressions of the patient. If collagen injections are indicated, a simple skin test on the forearm is administered to determine sensitivity to collagen. If no reaction is evident within four weeks or after two skin tests over 6 weeks, treatment may begin. Occasionally, a second skin test is recommended to be certain that no allergies to injectable collagen exist. (Ninety-seven percent of the population has no reaction to the skin test.)
Each treatment session requires approximately 15 minutes. The site for the injection is cleaned with alcohol and the material is injected through a very fine needle. Injections are easily tolerated since a local anesthetic is contained within the collagen material.
Some initial swelling should be expected around the implantation site. Within two or three days, most of this swelling disappears and the treated area returns to a normal appearance. The improvement that is gained is almost immediate. Clients may return to normal activity after leaving the office. Makeup may be applied almost immediately after the implantation.
Collagen is usually administered over an initial treatment series of one to two office visits. Because injectable collagen behaves like the body's own collagen, it is gradually depleted. Additional touch-up injections maintain the effect.