Collagen is the name of a family of proteins that are naturally produced in human skin, joints, bones and other connective tissues. Injectable collagen, the type used in cosmetic treatments, is manufactured from either bovine or human collagen. Popular bovine-based products are Zyderm® and Zyplast®.

Human-based collagen is more expensive, but required for some patients due to their individual potential for allergic reactions and rejection of bovine-based products. Some collagen products are even made from a patient’s own skin. Two of the currently available human-based collagen products are called Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®.

Collagen is injected under the skin to lessen the appearance of facial wrinkles, lines and scars. It is also used on other areas of the body for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. Like most fillers, collagen is absorbed by the human body over time, which means effects of treatment are temporary. Treatment location, type of collagen, the patient’s physiology, and his or her activity level affect the duration of positive results, but generally speaking a collagen injection treatment will last for 3 months to a year.

The collagen injection process is relatively quick and painless. A local anesthetic, lidocaine, is pre-mixed into the syringe with collagen to reduce the pain of the injections. The doctor may also apply an anesthetic cream to your skin in the area to be injected if you are especially sensitive.

The collagen mixture contains some liquid that will be quickly absorbed into your body, so the treated area may appear puffy or overfilled immediately after treatment. This symptom should subside within a few days. After the injection process, patients commonly experience minor pain and redness, and some exhibit swelling or slight bruising that should heal after a short period. Otherwise, the patient is free to eat and drink, apply makeups or creams, and resume most regular activity right after the injection.

The content of this Web site is intended to be used for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice or instruction. If you have more questions about Philadelphia collagen injections, other cosmetic treatments, or plastic surgery procedures, please call Dr. Lohner’s Main Line Pennsylvania office and we’ll be happy to schedule a consultation.