Collagen & Restylane™ (Hyaluronic Acid)
Collagen Replacement Therapy
Collagen replacement therapy is an easy nonsurgical treatment that has been used millions of times to reduce facial lines, wrinkles and scars. Highly purified collagen preparations are injected just below the surface of the skin, to add bulk to the skin's natural collagen support layer. This replacement therapy smoothes facial frown and smile lines, wrinkles and scars. The treatment can also be used to augment the size of the lips and enhance the appearance of the lip border (See figures below). It is possible to achieve immediate, visible results and promptly return to your regular activities after treatment.
Collagen injections can smooth the appearance of forehead frown lines (A), scowl lines (B), cheek creases (C), lip lines (D & H), fine creases near the eyes (F), acne scars (G) and creases at the corners of the mouth (I). They can also be used to improve the appearance of the lips (E).
Results that can be achieved with collagen replacement therapy
Achieve fuller looking lips.
Soften smile line creases.
Smooth away frown lines.
What do the treatments involve?
Collagen replacement therapy is a non-surgical out-patient procedure that produces immediate visible results. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Immediately after treatment, patients can promptly return to normal activities. Touch-up injections are usually required every 3 to 6 months to maintain the effects.
Before beginning this treatment, patients have to be tested to make sure they are not allergic to this collagen material. A test injection is made into one arm and observed for any signs of reaction (e.g., itch, redness, swelling) during the next 4 weeks.
The cost varies, depending on the volume of collagen injected. At the Rutland Skin Center injection of 1.5 milliliters of Zyderm collagen costs approximately $300.
What are the risks of collagen injections?
Rigorous clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of collagen injections were conducted with 5,000 patients from 1976 to 1981. This data was submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and collagen injections approved shortly thereafter. Since then collagen injections have been in widespread use. For the vast majority of patients, side effects from these injections are minor and may include transient redness, swelling and discomfort that rapidly subside. A small percentage of patients develop an allergy to the collagen and will not be able to continue treatments.
Hyaluronic Acid Replacement Therapy:
Restylane™, Perlane™, Hylaform™, Captique™
Restylane, Juvederm, Hylaform, Captique and Perlane are all hyaluronic acid products that can be used for adding volume to the skin. Restylane, Juvederm, Captique and Perlane are all non-animal laboratory produced products. Hylaform is derived from rooster combs. All but Perlane have received FDA approval for use in the US. Perlane consists of larger sized gel particles and is better than Restylane for treating deeper wrinkles, skin creases and adding deeper volume. Restylane has been used more than any of these other hyaluronic acid products, so we have a better idea of its safety and effectiveness. Restylane is now preferred over bovine collagen treatment because Restylane's beneficial effects last approximately twice as long and has little risk of causing an allergic reaction.
Call 773-3553 for an appointment to see how you might benefit from collagen replacement therapy.
