Collagen is an important protein that can be found throughout the body, including the skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and walls of the blood vessels. Collagen is used to connect and support the tissues of the body. Not only is collagen naturally produced in the body, but the protein is also commonly synthesized and used by medical professionals to perform several procedures ranging from cosmetic to emergency care.
Anti-Aging
One common use for collagen is in the anti-aging cosmetic procedures market. During these procedures collagen is injected as a dermal filler. As you age, the production of collagen in your body naturally slows down. Dermal fillers fill in spaces on the skin where collagen loss has created fine lines, wrinkles and droopy skin. Once injected, collagen plumps the skin more even with the surrounding tissue, reducing the prominence of these common marks of aging. Common areas that collagen injections can be performed on include crowsfeet around the eyes, as well as wrinkles around the mouth and forehead.
Dermal filler collagen can come from both human and bovine sources. Bovine-based collagen typically requires an allergy test before the procedure to prevent possibly serious allergic reaction, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Collagen injections are only temporary, requiring follow up treatments every few months to maintain results.
Artificial Skin
Collagen can be used during severe burn treatment as a wound dressing. The collagen dressing acts as an artificial skin coating over the burned skin tissue, protecting it as the skin heals. Collagen dressing may also be used on other wounds or lesions on the skin to help seal and protect the area while the skin heals.
Scar Treatment
Collagen injections may be used for the treatment of depression scars on the skin such as "ice pick" scars or "boxcar" scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In this procedure collagen is injected beneath the scar, replacing the lost tissue that has created the indentation. As the collagen fills the space, the scar is plumped even with the surrounding tissue, reducing its prominence.
Lip Augmentation
Collagen can also be used for lip augmentations, a procedure that is used to give a more plump appearance to the lips. During this procedure, collagen can be injected directly into thin areas of the lips, giving the tissue more volume. Like anti-aging injections of collagen, bovine-based injections come with a risk of allergic reaction. Lip augmentations using collagen are typically temporary, lasting only one to three months, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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