It's human nature to want to maintain the healthy glow of youth for as long as we can, even as we get older. Unfortunately--like most things--maintaining youth is much easier said than done. Plastic surgery options abound, but one of the least invasive methods involves injecting collagen to fill in wrinkles, plump lips and firm sagging skin in order to achieve a more youthful look.
Plumping Lips
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, an injectable filler like collagen is ideal for augmenting thin lips. Collagen is a natural-occurring protein that can be derived from human skin. It can also be bovine-derived. Bovine-derived collagen must be tested for allergic reactions in humans prior to administration. Human-derived examples of collagen are Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast. Bovine-derived types of collagen are Zyderm and Zyplast. The lip-plumping procedure is usually done in the doctor's office with no anesthesia, and the patient is free to go home that same day. Results with collagen injected into the lips usually last about two to four months.
Smoothing Wrinkles
Collagen can also be used to minimize the appearance of wrinkles on the face. According to the Mayo Clinic, collagen is most often injected into the forehead to smooth fine lines and deep wrinkles. It is also sometimes injected into the cheeks to plump up sagging skin. Results usually last between three to six months, and regular refills may be necessary to maintain the wrinkle-free look. The collagen is ultimately absorbed into the skin and fades away. In some cases, the plastic surgeon may fill the wrinkles with extra collagen to make the results last a few months longer.
Filling Scars
In addition to plumping lips and smoothing wrinkles, collagen is used to fill in depressions from different types of scarring, including acne scarring. When it comes to repairing scars, collagen is best for deep "ice-pick" scars that leave grooves in the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, collagen is safe and effective for use. Only about 3 percent of patients report any allergic reactions or complications. General bruising and swelling may be noticed in the area for several days following the procedure. The typical length of a collagen facial procedure is an hour or less, depending on the number of scars to be filled.
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