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Using Collagen Fillers As A Way To Look Young

Posted by admin on December 12, 2009 | No Comments

Collagen fillers are becoming more and more popular as the population grows older. Since we are living in a world that rewards “being young”, the battle goes on to try to keep those years from showing on our faces. As lines start forming and getting deeper on our faces, many of us are doing all we can to make these lines disappear. We are doing what we can keep those lines and wrinkles away for a few more years.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that 174,290 patients underwent collagen fillers in the year 2007. That showed a 70 percent increase from the year 2000.

Protein is the connective tissue support system for skin, bones, cartilage and blood vessels. The protein can also be called collagen. As a person ages, collagen breaks down causing the skin to wrinkle and show lines. When the collagen is replaced, with collagen fillers, the connective tissue system is restored for a little longer.

Among the collagen fillers used are, human collagen with CosmoDerm and Cosmoplast; collagen from cows or bovines, with Zyderm and Zyplast; or a hybrid gel filler containing millions of synthetic microspheres contained in purified bovine collagen.

Collagen fillers work best on people within the ages of 35 to 60. A person of any age that has frown lines, crow’s feet, smile lines, or deep lines around the nose will see benefits from collagen fillers. For women who are pregnant or nursing, collagen fillers are not recommended. If a person is allergic to cow products or lidocaine, a doctor will probably forgo collagen fillers. People suffering from any autoimmune diseases may want to find an alternative to collagen fillers.

Collagen fillers containing Zyderm and Zyplast have caused allergic reactions in some people. Before performing the injection, the doctor will test for allergies. Collagen fillers can be injected without anesthesia. A local anesthetic is used because a very tiny needle is used on the skin, and the procedure only takes about an hour. Several injections are usually required, depending on the size of the line or wrinkle.

Few people complain of discomfort, but the doctor is using a needle so some people do experience slight pain. Because the needle injecting the collagen fillers is so small, swelling and bruising is rare and, if it does occur, will subside after a couple of days. The procedure is usually done in the doctor’s office and people are able to go home immediately after the collagen fillers are complete and resume normal activities.

You will be able to appreciate the results immediately after the collagen fillers are injected. If the site seems to look like the doctor injected too much collagen, the area will return to normal in a couple of days. This may be from slight swelling. Even though results are seen immediately, total results will become evident in a couple of days. Collagen fillers are recommended every two to three months.

Complications after undergoing collagen fillers are rare. Some people may notice an uneven texture to the skin. An allergic reaction may show up later. Rarely does the area become infected, abscessed or show scarring. Leaving your hands away from the area injected with the collagen fillers is wise to avoid transmitting germs from your hands to your face.

If a person shows allergies to the collagen fillers, other treatments may be recommended such as Botox or Restylane. Botox is used with collagen and Restylane can be used in place of collagen fillers.

The extreme alternatives that can be considered, instead of collage fillers, are full facelift, forehead lift, blepharoplastym, eyelid lift, chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or microdermabrasion. All of these treatments may be presented to by your doctor. For best results, no matter what procedure you choose, consult with at least two doctors that are qualified in the dermatological field before your proceed.