subject: Skin Care: Collagen Injections - Lower Your Risks With The Right Doctor [print this page] Collagen is a protein which is manufactured naturally in one's body. It is fibrous and a connective tissue. It is found in bones, teeth, skin, cartilage and tendons. It directly contributes to the elasticity in one's skin. As we age, the collagen production starts to slow down, which is why aging skin tends to not bounce back when stretched, ending up with excessive sags and droops.
Beginning in the 1980's injectibles began to appear on the cosmetic surgical scene in order to minimize wrinkles. This is a technique which entails injecting syringes full of collagen into the skin. It may come from bovine (cow), porcine (pig) or human sources. All is purified before use.
Before a treatment, it is recommended that collagen be injected into a test site in order to ensure that the patient isn't allergic to it. This is usually done one month prior to placing the injections in the facial area. Approximately 3% of the population has been found to be allergic to the injections.
Allergies are especially possible in those who have had allergic reactions to meat products or other environmental substances.
Collagen injections have been shown to ease crow's feet wrinkling around the eyes, smile lines, cheek indentations and acne scars. They have also been used to redefine lip lines and to get rid of worry lines.
Like any medical procedure, there are always risks of complications. A word to the wise: the more reputable and experienced the physician is that administers this treatment, the less likely one is to have a bad result. Risks that may occur include:
- Bacterial infection which may turn into impetigo
- Allergic reaction which could show up as shortness of breath, hives or a rash
- Scarring
- Lumps
- Results that don't last as long as expected
- Discoloration
Most of the time the results of having collagen injections are complication free, but one should be aware that they could occur and to be on the alert for them. Choosing a reputable, licensed physician to perform the procedure will greatly minimize risks. Some earmarks of a good physician include:
- He or she is licensed to perform medicine.
- He or she has been referred to you by a satisfied customer or your family physician.
- He or she has no complaints pending with the medical board.
- He or she has had an abundance of experience with this procedure and is happy to show off "before and after" photos of his or her patients.
