Collagen injections have the potential to reduce the appearance of smile lines, nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, and frown lines. Injections of collagen have been used for some time, but their popularity has declined since the development of soft tissue fillers like as Restylane, which may maintain their effects for a longer period of time.
According to figures provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of collagen injections performed in the United States dropped to 174,290 in 2007, representing a decrease of around 70 percent from the year 2000.
How Do Collagen Injections Work, and What Are They?
Connective tissue is characterized by the presence of a primary protein known as collagen. It provides structural support for the skin, as well as for the bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. Collagen accounts for up to 80 percent of the skin’s total composition. Collagen naturally degrades with age, despite the fact that its function is to preserve the integrity of the skin. Wrinkles, lines, and creases in the skin are often the result of the breakdown of collagen that occurs naturally with aging. Injections of collagen restore the collagen that is naturally present in the skin.
There are several different kinds of collagen fillers available on the market today. As an illustration, CosmoDerm and Cosmoplast are both examples of collagen fillers that include human collagen. Zyderm and Zyplast are two examples of collagen fillers made from bovine (cow) sources. Bellafill is a hybrid gel filler that is composed of millions of synthetic microspheres (also known as polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) that are suspended in pure bovine (cow) collagen.
Candidates Who Would Benefit Most from Collagen Injections
Candidates who are between the ages of 35 and 60 who have frown lines, “crow’s feet,” and nasolabial folds or smile lines are often considered the best candidates for collagen injections.
Persons who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those who have allergies to cow products or lidocaine, and people who have specific medical disorders such as autoimmune illnesses are not candidates for receiving collagen injections.
How Are Collagen Injections Performed?
Because some people are more likely to have an allergic reaction to Zyderm and Zyplast than others, a skin test is necessary before beginning therapy with either product.
Injections of collagen are normally administered in the setting of a medical office. Even though the collagen filler itself includes lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, most of the time they are performed without any type of anesthesia being administered. The depressions in the skin are treated with an injection of collagen using a very fine needle. Depending on the length and depth of the wrinkle, it is possible that more than one injection will be required. The entire process may be completed in about an hour.
The doctor will use a pencil to “score” the locations where the injection will be given. Your physician may choose a number of different injection sites for each area that is going to be treated. In addition to that, antiseptic is utilized. After that, your physician will determine the appropriate quantity of collagen that should be employed. Under the skin, the designated areas are treated with the collagen filler that is then injected.
Recovery Following Collagen Injections
The collagen injection could cause you to feel a little bit of discomfort, but it shouldn’t be too bad. There is a possibility of bruising and swelling, but these symptoms should go away within the first 48 hours. It is possible that the treated region will seem red for the first twenty-four hours, and this may continue for up to a week.
Immediately following the treatment, you will be free to return home. The effects can be seen almost immediately, and their full manifestation occurs within a week. In certain situations, the treated region could at first look like it has too much material in it. However, this will go away not long after, resulting in an appearance that is more natural in appearance. The duration of the effects might range anywhere from two months to three months.
You can get back to your regular activities right away; however, it is strongly recommended that you keep out of the sun. Talk to your primary care provider if you’re experiencing any pain that can’t be controlled or symptoms that are getting worse or more unusual.
Collagen Injection Risks and Complications
In most cases, the risks associated with collagen fillers are considered to be low. Scarring, an allergic response, an infection, an abscess, and an uneven texture of the skin are some of the potential consequences that might arise.
Alternative Treatments for Collagen Injections
Collagen is an excellent choice; nevertheless, it is always smart to examine other possible therapies in addition to using collagen. Botox and Restylane are two other examples of less invasive treatments. Botox may be used in conjunction with collagen, while Restylane may be a more suitable replacement for collagen. In more severe cases, surgical procedures like as a facelift, forehead lift (also known as a brow lift), and blepharoplasty may be more effective than non-invasive treatments (eyelid surgery).
In addition to collagen, your physician may suggest that you try other treatments, such as a chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or microdermabrasion. These treatments are typically used in conjunction with collagen.
Collagen Injection Cost in Dubai
Collagen fillers cost in Dubai 800-2000 AED each syringe. Others need more than one syringe. The treatment might cost 4000 AED. Cosmetic treatments aren’t insured. If the fee is too high, ask about monthly payments.