Collagen skin treatments are used to fill lines and wrinkles around the eyes, lips, nose and forehead, as well as some acne and other facial scars. It is also used to plump lips by adding definition to lip borders from the inside out.

Zyderm(R) and Zyplast(R) collagen replacement therapy has been proven safe and effective for almost 20 years, and has been used in over one million treatments. Zyderm and Zyplast are the only injectable collagen products to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

How does collagen work?

Collagen is actually part of the organic support structure of your skin. During the normal aging process, this natural collagen thins and wrinkles form. Without enough collagen, wrinkles and lines begin to form whenever the skin moves.

Collagen replacement treatments replenish the skin's collagen layer, smoothing lines and wrinkles. Collagen implants are natural products derived from highly purified bovine collagen, and are injected just under the surface of the skin. Like your body's own collagen, the collagen implants will eventually be absorbed. If you discontinue treatments, the new collagen is simply reabsorbed and your face gradually return to its natural contours.

What should I do before collagen replacement therapy?

Before treatment, a skin test will be performed on your forearm to check your sensitivity to collagen. You will be asked to watch this area carefully over a four-week period. Approximately 98% of people tested show no reaction to the skin test and can proceed with collagen treatments.

Discontinue aspirin, ibuprofin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure.

What happens during collagen replacement therapy?

First, the area to be treated will be gently cleansed.

Next, your physician will inject Zyderm(R) or Zyplast(R) collagen into the areas you have selected for treatment with an extremely fine needle. After an initial stinging sensation, your level of discomfort will be minimal, since these collagen implants contain the numbing agent lidocaine.

The treatment only takes a short time, has no down-time, and is virtually painless. Results are immediate.

How will my skin look after treatment?

You may resume normal activities as soon as you leave your doctor's office.

After receiving collagen replacement treatment, your skin may be slightly swollen at the treatment sites. This generally subsides within 24 hours, depending on the sensitivity of the area that was treated.

The benefits of collagen treatments are visible immediately, and usually last three to six months. The more frequently you receive collagen treatments, the longer they last. Since studies have shown that injected collagen may stimulate the deposition of your own collagen at injection sites, there is a possibility that part or all of the correction may last up to one year.

Am I a candidate for collagen replacement therapy?

Most people react very well to collagen treatments. If you have a reaction to the skin test or are allergic to lidocaine, collagen may not be used. Precautions are advised with people who are receiving immunosuppressive therapy, as well as those who are on long-term prednisone or other steroid therapy.

Final thoughts...

Collagen skin treatments are successfully used to fill expression lines and wrinkles around the mouth, lips, nose and forehead, as well as some acne and other facial scars.