Collagen is an important protein that can be found in the connective tissues of the body, such as the skin. As the body ages, collagen naturally wears down, causing skin sagging and wrinkling. To combat this, many people choose to to get dermafiller injections of collagen to plump the skin back to its original state, but this procedure is not without its risks.
Infection
Infection is one possible risk of collagen injections. This can occur when bacteria or viruses take advantage of the open injection site, if the injection equipment is not properly sterilized or if the injection site is not taken care of properly during healing. The doctor or cosmetic surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat serious infections related to the injection.
Surface Irregularities
An injection may cause lumps or other irregularities on the surface of the skin, depending on how well the procedure goes. This effect occurs rarely when the procedure is done by a professional, which is why only a licensed and experienced physician or plastic surgeon should perform the injection.
Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions are another possible effect. These are more common with the injection of bovine collagen (such as Zyderm and Zyplast), which is derived from cows. Collagen injections may also contain a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, that can cause an allergic reaction. The office performing the injections may require a pre-treatment allergy test to ensure the safety of the procedure.
Bruising and Inflammation
Bruising may occur at the injection site. Bruising occurs when tiny blood vessels are damaged during the injection, causing blood to flow into the surrounding tissue. Inflammation is another possible effect. Inflammation is the body's natural response to the injury that occurs when the needle enters the tissue and is usually only temporary. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, both of these effects can be treated by periodic icing and by avoidance of exercise until at least 24 hours after the procedure.
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