Dermal fillers: Collagen

Overview

Below the top layer of your skin is the dermis – filled with blood vessels, nerves and hair follicles. It’s also made up of collagen, which is the support structure for your skin. To reduce the signs of aging, fill scars or add volume to your face, dermal fillers containing collagen are being used. One of the most prevalent examples is collagen lip injections.

Collagen fillers come from different sources, including human skin, or from animals including cows or pigs

There are different brands on the market. Collagen made from human sources includes Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast.

Collagen from purified bovine sources includes Zyderm and Zyplast, and requires allergy testing.

Using collagen from purified porcine like Evolence may required an allergy test before it’s injected.

You can use collagen taken from your body, harvested when you have a procedure like a tummy tuck, for example. The skin is sterilized and processed into a liquid collagen for injection.

Another type of collagen is taken from your skin and then cloned in a lab. All that is required is a piece of skin the size of a pencil eraser, and the cloning process takes about 3 weeks. A minimum of 3 injections is recommended every two weeks.

There is even a collagen derived from sterilized human cadaver skin that is purified and processed into liquid form.

Dr. Jimerson will discuss the various types of collagens available and the benefits of each when you have your appointment.

Cost for collagen fillers

Costs can vary based on individual patient needs and the amount of injections required.

The costs involved in this procedure include facility fees, medical tests, cost of the collagen, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or any additional treatment that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure.

Are you a candidate for collagen fillers?

As with most elective cosmetic procedures, there are several basic criteria that determine if you’re a good candidate for collagen fillers. They include:

You’re 35 – 60 years old and want to reduce the signs of aging
You want fuller, more voluptuous lips
You’re not pregnant or nursing
You enjoy relatively good health without any medical conditions that could jeopardize your healing or present surgical risks
You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you

You also will need to make sure you’re not allergic to bovine products or lidocaine. If you have severe allergies to meats, or asthma, hay fever or atopic dermatitis, or have an autoimmune disease, you should not have collagen injections.

The procedure

You may need an allergy test, depending on the type of collagen filler that is used. This is usually scheduled a month prior to your first set of injections. A very small amount will be injected, and you’ll look for signs of swelling, redness or other allergic reactions.

For the procedure, Dr. Jimerson will evaluate your appearance and skin tone, paying close attention to the parts of your face that will be injected with the dermal filler.

Dr. Jimerson will then mark points on your face to use as guides for the injection sites, and your face will be cleansed with an antibacterial wash. The area to be injected will be numbed with a topical anesthetic if required, as some fillers include an anesthetic.

Injections are made, your face is washed and an ice pack will be available to reduce any minor discomfort. Certain areas, like deep lines or deep scars will need multiple injections. And when a deep injection is needed, you’ll be given a local anesthetic so you can stay comfortable.

Risks

The main risk with collagen injections is an allergic reaction. If you have the skin allergy test prior to injections, this will not be a problem.

Other risks may include

Abscesses
Infection
Open sores
Lumps
Reactivation of cold sores
Scarring
Skin necrosis
Uneven skin texture

You will have some swelling and bruising for the first 24 hour after your injections. The skin may be read for up to a week.

You can use makeup right away, but avoid rubbing the treated area. And avoid any strenuous exercise, sun and alcohol during the first week following your injections.

Collagen injections generally last about 3 months, but some patients have stated that the effects of the injections have lasted up to two years. Regardless, these injections are not permanent, so you will require repeat injections as necessary.

Results

The collagen injections will produce a smooth, natural look, while improving wrinkles, lines and scars. Collagen injections in the lip will generate a fuller appearance.

Improvement will be seen in many facial areas. Collagen injections are used to pump up sunken or creased areas, add fullness to your cheeks, reduce frown and worry lines, decrease crow’s feet in the corner of your eyes and to treat deep smile lines. They are also used to eliminate the vertical lines on the mouth, decrease acne and other soft facial scars and add volume to your lips.

Collagen injections can be combined with other procedures if needed.

Meeting with Dr. Jimerson

Prior to having collagen injections, you will have a consultation with Dr. Jimerson. This is an important appointment, as it will give you an opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and what you can expect from the surgery.

He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.

You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.

Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?

Dr. Jimerson and his team have years of extensive training and experience in all areas of cosmetic surgery, liposuction and fat grafting. He has pioneered face and body sculpting techniques that bring patients exceptional, long-lasting results.

The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.

Schedule your appointment

The best way to determine if collagen injections are right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment click here.