WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is a natural protein that is found throughout the body in the skin, muscles, tendons, and bones in all of us. As we age, the collagen fibers, which are woven together like threads in fabric (forming a framework in which new cells can grow), starts to weaken. Our bodies' collagen provides natural texture, resiliency, and shape. As we grow older, we also start to lose collagen.
Cosmetic collagen was developed in the 1970s by physicians at Stanford University from bovine collagen. They were researching alternatives to skin grafting when they stumbled on collagen. Collagen was first used medically in 1976, and, to date, over 500,000 people have been treated with it. The Collagen Corporation, based in Palo Alto, California, has been the main supplier of synthetic injectable collagen for years. The newer products, Zyplast and Zyderm, have been used to increase the size of small lips; eliminate the line around the borders of the lips of smokers, the wrinkles of those with heavy sun exposure, acne scarring and acne pits; and treat fine lines around the eyes and between the eyebrows
HOW DO THE COLLAGENS WORK?
When a physician injects a small amount of collagen directly into areas where the body's own collagen has been weakened, depressions can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Therefore, lines and scars can be minimized and texture improved, and the skin has a softer and more even tone. Zyderm collagen was formulated especially for people with small or superficial contour problems. Zyderm can be particularly effective in smoothing delicate frown and smile lines as well as fine creases that develop at the corners of the eyes and above and below the lips. It is also good for correcting certain kinds of shallow scars.
Zyplast collagen was designed to treat depressions requiring a stronger material. It is used for more pronounced contour problems, such as deeper scars, lines, and furrows, and for areas on which more force is exerted, such as the corners of the mouth. Your surgeon will determine the potential benefits of each material in the appropriate course of treatment.
"Ice pick" scars cannot usually be helped by collagen, but occasionally, fat injections and scoring underneath the scar can help minimize these particular types of scars.
Collagen comes in 1-cc or 2 1/2-cc syringes. Most patients opt for at least 1 to 2 ccs during each period of injection.
Before you begin collagen therapy, it's necessary to have a skin test prior to the full correction of a line or acne scar. This test consists of injecting a small amount of collagen underneath the skin of your arm and watching for a period of three weeks to see if you have a reaction to the collagen. Most people who are allergic to beef will have some type of reaction to the collagen. A red bump at the site or a rash is a positive reaction against the collagen. Your surgeon or dermatologist needs to be notified right away of any type of reaction or problem.
If your skin test is negative, your surgeon or doctor can proceed with the collagen injection. Usually 1 to 3 ccs of collagen is injected.
Following the injection, you will be swollen and a bit bruised. When I inject lips to augment them, I usually use the bulkier, more robust Zyplast collagen. This is cross linked (strands of collagen hooked together) to fill the line or depression. It will also last longer, anywhere from four to six months. Sometimes, after several injections, a patient will develop so much scar tissue in the area that scar buildup will further improve the look in addition to the collagen.
There has been some suggestion that patients may develop autoimmune disease following the use of collagen. This is currently under investigation. If you are concerned, refer to the collagen pamphlet which is provided before the procedure and thoroughly discuss this with your surgeon.
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