Collagen Injections: Are They Right For You?

Ponce de Leon may not have found the fabled fountain of youth in Florida back in 1513, but plastic surgeons are convinced they've found a viable solution for people whose biggest fear is aging. Collagen injections have become the wave of the future, empowering people to live more confidently; whether it's a lip injection, a scar cover-up, a complement to one's face lift, or a cure-all for troublesome wrinkles. Thousands of injections are done each year to restore the skin's elasticity and peoples' peace of mind.

FDA-approved since 1981, collagen injections are safe, quick and easy to administer. Collagen is essentially just a naturally-occurring protein in the body that breaks down over time, so there are generally few complications involved. Patients typically come in, undergo a 30 to 60 minute procedure and leave the same day. Within a few days, once the swelling goes down, patients will notice the improvement in their appearance.

There are two main types of collagen fillers: bovine-based and human-based. The collagen undergoes a purification process and is mixed with salt water and the anesthesia lidocaine to provide comfort during the process. While it may seem strange to have bovine-based collagen in our bodies, it actually works very well with human tissue and actually has fewer instances of allergic reactions.

One criticism of these injections is that the effects aren't always permanent and touch-up injections may be required 2 to 4 times a year to maintain the smooth visage. Just as your body's natural collagen support structure loses form over time, so will your supplementary protein. However, these injections can stimulate the body's natural production for some patients, meaning there will be less routine maintenance needed. While the risk factor is low, approximately 3% of the patients will be allergic to the shots, which means that additional steroid infusions may be needed to reduce itching, redness and swelling.

Prior to getting collagen injections, patients will undergo a skin test on the forearm to check for sensitivity to the collagen. After the four week testing period, you'll report any reactions and if all is clear, you'll be well on your way to younger looking skin. Once the process is finished, you needn't worry about bandages or dieting and your only directive will be to wear sun-block if you plan to be outside. You won't need any time off of work and within a few days, you'll love your wrinkle reduction or lip enhancement.