What is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally
occurring protein that provides support to various parts
of the human body: the skin, the joints, the bones and the
ligaments. Injectable collagen, patented by the Collagen
Corporation under the trade names Zyderm and Zyplast, is
derived from purified bovine collagen. The purification
process creates a product similar to human collagen. Injectable
collagen received approval from the Food and Drug Administration
in 1981. It is produced in various thicknesses to meet individual
patient needs. Collagen is used primarily to fill wrinkles,
lines and scars on the face and sometimes the neck, back
and chest.
The Collagen Injection Treatment
Treatment with collagen
can begin after a skin test determines that you're not allergic
to the substance. The collagen is injected using a fine
needle inserted at several points along the edge of the
treatment site. If a local anesthesia has not been used,
you may feel some minor stinging or burning as the injections
are administered.
Since part of the substance is salt water that will be absorbed
by the body within a few days, your doctor will slightly
overfill the area. You may be asked to hold a hand mirror
during the procedure to help your doctor decide when you've
had enough.
After Collagen Injection Treatment
Immediately following
treatment, you may notice some minor discomfort, stinging,
or throbbing in the injected area. Occasionally some bruising
or swelling will occur, but it is usually minor. Any redness
that appears in the injected site usually disappears within
24 hours. However, in some individuals, particularly fair-skinned
patients, this redness may persist for a week or more. Tiny
scabs may also form over the needle-stick areas; these generally
heal quickly.
No bandaging is needed and you are free to eat, drink and
wear makeup with sunblock protection shortly thereafter.
There may be some temporary swelling and redness in the
treated area, which should dissipate within a few days.
If these symptoms persist, contact Dr. Asaadi.
Collagen Injection Results
As stated earlier, the duration
of results from collagen injections are variable. Collagen's
longevity depends on the patient's lifestyle and physical
characteristics as well as the part of the body treated.
In general, the injected material is likely to disappear
faster in areas that are more affected by muscle movement.
Contact Dr. Asaadi:
Request an Appointment
Request Additional Information
View Dr. Asaadi’s Collagen Before & After Photos
Dr. Asaadi and his staff will be happy to discuss this procedure with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation or Schedule an appointment online @ either our New York or New Jersey offices.
