Collagen Injection
Bovine collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®) was approved by the FDA 2 decades ago. It was the first filler agent to become very popular in the US . Typically it is used for smile lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement and scar correction. Because bovine collagen is derived from cow collagen, skin tests on the arm are required in an attempt to determine collagen allergy. Results, after treatment, typically last 2-6 months.
Human collagen (Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®) is used much like bovine collagen. Typically human collagen is used for smile lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement and scar correction. These materials are among the more popular filler agents for lip enhancement or for the patient who likes collagen, but prefers not to have bovine collagen. In contrast to bovine collagen, human collagen treatment does not require skin tests. Results typically last 2-6 months.
Wrinkles form largely because the levels of collagen, a major component of the connective tissue in the skin that creates strength and flexibility, decrease over time. Soft tissue fillers rejuvenate the face by plumping up areas under the skin to reshape and re-contour furrows, folds and creases, as well as soften wrinkles and scars and enhance the lips.
Not every soft tissue filler is right for every face or function, and there is a wide spectrum of choices available. The Medical Cosmetic Center uses only the safest and most reliable soft tissue fillers on the market.
We at the Medical Cosmetic Center go to great lengths to insure our patients are comfortable during treatment. We have several anesthetic options available to our patients being treated with dermal fillers.
Reactions to filler agents are rare and generally resolve with time. Some common injection-related reactions might occur, such as swelling, redness, pain, itching, discoloration and tenderness at the implant site. They typically resolve spontaneously within several days after injection into the skin. Other types of reactions are very rare, but occasional patients do experience localized reactions thought to be of a hypersensitivity nature. These have usually consisted of swelling at the implant site, sometimes affecting the surrounding tissues. Redness, tenderness and rarely acne-like formations can be seen.
