1. Collagen Is Only Skin Deep
Whoever said "Beauty is only skin deep" might not have been totally inaccurate. Our skin bears much of the brunt of aging: it wrinkles and sags as we get older. This is because our skin loses its elasticity due to the loss of a protein in the second layer (dermis) called collagen. Collagen gives shape and strength to our skin. When collagen levels are high, skin remains wrinkle-free, but when this support structure weakens and breaks down, stress is put on the skin by, say, frowning or smiling and wrinkles develop. The good news? Collagen can be injected into our skin to give it a younger, smoother appearance.
2. Injecting New Life Into Your Old Skin
Treating wrinkles and other skin imperfections with collagen injections was begun in 1976. Injecting collagen raises the skin around the wrinkles and smoothes them out. Sterilized and purified bovine collagen taken from the skin of cows is the most common type used today. Other types are autologen or isolagen, taken from your own skin and put through a purification and liquidation process in a lab, or dermalogen (taken from deceased donors). The procedure is simple; you lie down and needles filled with collagen are placed at various points where the most wrinkles appear. The entire procedure is done in the office and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Smooth Sailing and Beyond
Smoothing wrinkles is not the only benefit of getting collagen injections. Collagen can also smooth out scars, such as those left by severe acne. Laugh lines can be vanquished. Lips can be more defined and fuller. Weaker points like the corners of the mouth can be strengthened. Collagen injections can also have another profound impact: our self-image. Looking younger will make you feel more confident and better about yourself. One of the few drawbacks is the injections usually last only about six months to a year before your body absorbs the collagen, and you need to have the procedure done again.
4. Collagen Injections Not Entirely Wrinkle Free
As with any type of surgical procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, collagen injections are not without risk. Redness, swelling or bruising of the skin can occur after injections. Bacterial infections or reactions to the anesthesia found in collagen injections are not common but possible. Other rare reactions can include itching, development of open sores or scarring. Some people might be allergic to the bovine collagen and this should be discussed with your surgeon prior to undergoing this treatment.
5. Other Ways to Iron Out the Wrinkles
Collagen injections are not the only answer if you're looking to get rid of those laugh lines and crow's feet. Other products and methods are available. Laser resurfacing is one option. Injections of other materials besides collagen can be considered, such as Botox (though not as effective for fine wrinkles and wrinkles due to sagging skin), fat, a synthetic filler material called Artecoll, or fascia injections (derived from connective tissue).
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