Collagen Injections Side Effects?

Collagen is a dermal (skin) filler used for minimizing wrinkles or some depressed scars.  The collagen products that were widely used (Zyderm, Zyplast, CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast) were taken off the market in 2010 since Allergan, the manufacturer/distributor, also sells the Juvederm family of injectable fillers, and these fillers last longer than collagen. The Juvederm family is made of hyaluronic acid (natural substances found in our bodies, but synthetically derived from... more

There are several different kinds of collagen injection fillers. The oldest collagen and the original filler was made of cow collagen and about 3% of people were allergic to it. Today, the newest collagen is called Evolence. It is derived from pig collagen and is a wonderful filler. Allergies to this are very rare. However, Evolence is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, and they have decided not to continue distribution of this product. We believe this same product will eventually be... more

Collagen injections have fallen into disfavor. Bovine (cow) collagen and human collagen are hardly used any more. Skin allergies manifested as red bumps did occur in 1 - 3 % of people with bovine collagen. Porcine (pig) collagen, manufactured as Evolence, will no longer be distributed by J and J. Injectables are mostly the hyaluronic acids such as Restylane and Juvederm, Hydrelle (hyaluronic acid premixed with anesthetic) and Radiesse. Bruising, tenderness, lumpiness, uneveness, bluish... more

There are presently three collagen products on the market, but that probably will change. Zyderm and Zyplast are the grand daddies of all the fillers, being introduced in 1981 and 1985 respectively. They are derived from bovine collagen and require allergy testing---the only filler for which this is necessary. It is fairly short lived (3-4 months) and is a bit "stiff". It is not used very much anymore, most physician fillers believe its day has passed. but occasionally some of... more

It really depends on which collagen you get. Currently there are three commercially available forms: Bovine (cow) Porcine ( pig) Cadaveric (human) Reactions differ most notably in the ability to cause an allergic reaction with decreasing severity in the order listed above. Bovine typically requires a skin test 1 month before treatment and therefore is rarely used any longer. Most commonly people complain about the relatively short lived results but other issues are the potential lumpiness... more

WHY would you be getting Collagen injections when there are so much better and longer lasting fillers out there? The label COLLAGEN refers to the original products Zyderm/Zyplast (now owned by Allergan producer of Botox, Latisse and Juvederm) which were isolated from COW COLLAGEN. They could not be used in people allergic to beef products and required at least one skin test 3-4 weeks before use. (Some used 2 skin tests because up to 4% of those who did not react to the first skin test were... more