Collagen
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that
provides support for various parts of the body including skin, tendons
and ligaments. Collagen makes up a large part of the dermis. Collagen
has been used as a dermal filler since the early 1980s. It has been
used to fill wrinkles, lines, scars, and for lip enhancement.
A small needle is used to carefully fill in wrinkles
and scars. Topical and/or local anesthetic are used for pain control
during injections. Injections in and around the lip are particularly
painful and nerve block is recommended.
Complications of collagen injection include bruising,
allergic reaction, and infection.
Types of Collagen
Zyderm and Zyplast are made from purified cow skin
and have been around since the early 1980s. Both can cause allergic
reactions, and require a skin test prior to treatment. A test dose
is performed on the forearm, and observed one month for a reaction.
About 1% of patients will test positive and another 1% will develop
an allergy during treatment, in spite of testing Zyderm and Zyplast
are used to fill wrinkles, lines and scars on the face. Results
are immediate and can last up to six months depending on the area
treated.
Recently, human collagen was approved for cosmetic
use by the FDA. CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast are derived from human
tissue that has been purified and grown in a laboratory. Allergy
to human collagen has not been reported, and no skin test is required.
They are used for treating fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and for
lip enhancement. Cosmoderm is used for superficial lines, while
Cosmoplast is used for more pronounced wrinkles. Results are immediate
and can last up to six months depending on the area treated.
Collagen Related News & Articles
» Find a Collagen Specialist
All photos courtesy of S. Zimmet, MD and P. Bitter Jr., MD
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