What are Collagen Injections?
Collagen injections have been around for quite a while, and they’re probably one of the most well known of the fillers that doctors can inject to plump up your skin. They can help reduce “crow’s feet” around the eyes, along with frown lines and smile lines around the lips. Collagen is a natural material found in the connective tissues of the body, but with age, it breaks down, which is why injections can help the aging process.
The Types of Collagen Injections and How They Work
Collagen is essential for the skin. It helps to support everything from skin and bone to blood vessels and cartilage; in fact, it makes up nearly 80 percent of the skin. It helps the skin feel supple and smooth, but as we age, collagen begins to break down, and this break down can lead to lines, wrinkles, and folds in the skin. Injections of collagen help replace the natural collagen and reduce the signs of aging.
You can find several different types of collagen fillers marketed today. There are several that contain human collagen, some that include cow collagen, and some that contain gel fillers suspended in bovine (cow) collagen. Each one fills wrinkles and lines a little differently, and each one lasts for a general time, so you should consult with your surgeon to find out which one is right for your skin and your conditions.
Collagen vs. Other Fillers
At one time, collagen fillers were the most popular type of skin rejuvenation fillers, but this has changed in the past few years. Soft tissue fillers like Restylane and others can also do the same job as collagen, but they last longer. You should check with your doctor to make sure which filler is right for you, and which will last the longest between injections.
An Ideal Candidate for Collagen Injections
If you’re between the ages of 35 and 60, and you’re displaying lines, crow’s feet, and folds around your eyes, nose, or lips, you could be an ideal candidate for collagen injections. If you have allergies to bovine products, or lidicane, or you have autoimmune diseases, you should check with your doctor to see if you’re a candidate. In addition, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you shouldn’t have the injections. It’s important to note that most health insurance policies don’t cover cosmetic surgery or any complications from surgery. Remember to check with your medical professional for more information on any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures.