Collagen injection
Collagen injections are used in lip augmentation or to restore a more youthful appearance by smoothing and plumping up the skin. Collagen temporarily gets rid of crow’s feet, wrinkles, and laugh lines. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon will administer collagen using a fine needle that injects the material just beneath the surface of the skin at several points along the edge of the area to be treated. Collagen injections last from 3 to 4 months for many people, but may last only two months for others.
Lip collagen
Collagen-based cosmetic fillers are most commonly used to treat:
- fine lines, wrinkles
- moderate to deep facial folds
Collagen injections are also used in lip augmentation, but less frequently with the wide availability of longer-lasting hyaluronic acid products like Restylane or Juvederm.
Collagen creams - alternatives to injections
Collegen is a naturally occurring connective tissue component that provides strength and structure to the skin. Despite the loads of choices in collagen creams and supplements, the only topical product shown to improve collagen on a microscopic level and therefore wrinkles is Retin-A. This can be obtained by prescription or in some skin care lines. Other topical products that can help skin are also available, but none has been shown to improve collagen on a scientific level.
Collagen injection brands
Collagen products available under several FDA-approved brand names including Cosmoderm, Cosmoplast, Zyderm, Zyplast and Evolence.
Collagen treatment
- The area to be injected will be cleansed, commonly with alcohol swabs. A topical anesthetic cream, icing to the injection sites or a local anesthetic via injection (such as a dental block) may be used for your comfort.
- Once your treatment region in numbed, your doctor will make injections in several locations, placing the dermal filler where correction or volume enhancement is desired.
- You doctor may massage or manipulate the area where the filler has been placed. The treated area may be cleansed again.
- You may be given ice or cold packs to place on the treated area to minimize swelling and bruising.
- The entire treatment process may take 20 to 30 minutes or more.
Collagen injection results
Your enhancement will be visible immediately after your injections. However, due to swelling, you may look a little fuller than you might expect. This will improve rapidly over the next few days.
- You may experience mild swelling or bruising from any type of injection. Ice or cold packs can help to minimize swelling or discomfort.
- You can generally apply makeup over the treated area immediately.
- Collagen fillers may result in 2-3 days of swelling and are less likely to result in bruising or redness.
The improvement from most Collagen Injections begins to diminish within 3 to 4 months. Improvement from Evolence is marketed as diminishing within 6 to 12 months after treatment.
If you do not repeat treatment once your results have begun to diminish, or as directed by your doctor, your appearance will return to its pre-treatment state.
Collagen cost
Collagen injections can vary widely in cost as reflected in the Collagen Injection cost data posted on RealSelf.com. The cost of Collagen may vary based on your provider's experience, the number of injection sites, as well as geographic office location.
Last modified 4 months ago
