In my late 30s, and lost quite a bit of collagen in my face. Options to build collagen back in the face?

Question

I am in my late 30s, and lost quite a bit of collagen in my face due to months of stress last year. I want to know what the realistic expectations I should have of rebuilding collagen using collagen stimulating procedures. I know it’s variable per person, their age, health, etc. But overall…what is a reasonable expectation for a person to have regarding the rebuilding of collagen in the face using the latest cosmetic procedures that are known to stimulate it? 10% increase? 25%? 50%?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

The main ways patients build collagen are through peels/lasers, collagen stimulators like collagen and PRP, energy modalities like ultherapy and RF micro needling.

The choice depends on a few things.  Many treatments need to be repeated multiple times (micro needling, non ablative lasers, sculptra) and some are meant to be done once and only repeated when changes are noticed. Some address other issues like volume loss, wrinkles, and pigmentation. The “best” treatment is dependent on your specific concerns, your budget, and your tolerance for downtime.

I recommend looking for a practice that specializes in non-invasive procedures and get an in person consult.

In my late 30s, and lost quite a bit of collagen in my face. Options to build collagen back in the face?

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Everything you need to know about Collagen Injection

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In my late 30s, and lost quite a bit of collagen in my face. Options to build collagen back in the face?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Collagen Injection

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.