What You Need to Know About Collagen
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in humans. It is found in connective tissue, fibrous tissues, blood vessels, cartilage, and bones. Although widely used for cosmetic surgery, it is also used for other medical purposes. As you age, collagen production diminishes, leaving behind creases, fine lines, and sagging skin.
Dermal fillers are a non-invasive alternative to other cosmetic surgery procedures. They help soften fine lines, diminish wrinkles, and plump up lips. Collagen filler may be made from bovine (cows), porcine (pigs), or human skin. It works by restoring that youthful, supple appearance that we were all born with.
What other types of injectable fillers are available?
Other types of fillers include perlane, macrolane, and restylane. They are made from a form of hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance in human skin and tissue. They work by temporarily plumping up the area where injected. Radiesse is a gel type filler that is made up of calcium hydroxyl apatite, which naturally occurs in the body as calcium and phosphate. The gel also contains sterile water and glycerin. Dermal fillers have both pros and cons associated with them. Some last longer than others and some have an increased risk of side effects.
Collagen filler
Lasts twelve months or longer; typically used to fill in smile and frown lines, crow’s feet, and around the brow line.
Radiesse
Lasts about one to three years; commonly used around the mouth and nose, and as a filler for scars.
Perlane and Restylane
Both last from three to four months; generally used to enhance lips and to plump up creases between the mouth and nose.
Macrolane
Lasts approximately twelve months; normally used as a body contour to enhance breasts, buttocks, or fill in surgical sites and scars.
How much do fillers cost?
Most insurance companies do not cover dermal fillers because it is an elective procedure. However, non-surgical cosmetic procedures are very affordable and many physician offices have finance plans available. Although price varies by population and geographical location, the following is the average price of certain procedures, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
• Collagen fillers
Bovine/Porcine: $480
Human: $510
• Perlane, Macrolane, and Restylane: $592
• Radiesse: $649
Last year alone, people spent over eleven million dollars on minimally invasive cosmetic surgery. The majority of those were women, aged forty – fifty.
What is Botox?
Botox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles that it is exposed to, thus reducing the appearance of facial lines. It relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles, which makes them less visible. It is widely used on brow lines, between the eyebrows, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. It is not as effective around the mouth and nose and costs, on average, $405 per injection and lasts from three to six months.
What are the risks?
All procedures involve some level of risk. While uncommon, be aware of the following risks when using injectable fillers and Botox.
• Bruising and/or swelling around the injection site
• Acne like bumps on the skin
• Skin sensitivity and/or redness
• Irregularity or unevenness
• Infection
While these risks exist for nearly all cosmetic procedures, the likelihood of them happening is not very great. Always be sure the cosmetic surgeon performing the procedure is certified and licensed in the technique and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time is typically short for collagen fillers. In fact, many people have the procedure done over lunch and the results are almost instantaneous. Immediately after, the injection site may feel numb from the anesthetic, and be bruised, red, or swollen. At first, the area may look like it was over filled, but that tends to diminish within a few days or weeks. Icing the area will help reduce swelling and ease bruising.
What kind of results can I expect?
While results vary by person, injectable fillers are not an anti-aging device. They do help delay the natural aging process by softening creases and fine lines, lessening wrinkles, and making skin appear more supple and youthful. Collagen fillers do not however eliminate sagging or excess skin.
Am I a candidate for a non-invasive cosmetic procedure?
Good candidates for a collagen filler are non-smokers, physically fit, healthy, and have overall high self-esteem. Non-invasive cosmetic procedures will not “fix” you or your life; therefore, it is important to be mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy before have any type of cosmetic procedure.
Minimally invasive cosmetic surgery offers numerous options for those looking to enhance their appearance subtly. It is important to learn about and understand the many options before deciding on what is right for you. Discuss treatments, risks, and benefits with your doctor before choosing which will work best.
Free Consultation with a Board Certified US Professional
To learn more about Collagen Fillers please fill in the contact form, or call us today at the number found in the upper right corner of this page. You will then get the option to schedule a free consultation with a Certified Professional in Your local area. The majority of professionals have financing plans available to offer their customers.
Remember, collagen does wear down over time. Ordinarily, two to four treatments per year will be needed to maintain the results.
Free Consultation with a Board Certified US Surgeon
To learn more about Collagen Fillers please complete the contact form, or call us at the number found in the upper right corner of this page.
You will then be contacted and get the option to schedule a free consultation, with one or many of our 3.200+ Board Certified US Surgeons – we will refer you to one in Your local area.
The majority of surgeons have financing plans available to offer their customers.