You Are Here >> Acne Scars >> Acne Scar Removal >> Collagen Injections
Collagen Injections
Bovine-based Collagen (from cows) and Human-based Collagen
Collagen injections "fill in" acne scars. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein, purified to the extent that it can effectively be used to fill wrinkles, lines and scars on the face and sometimes the neck, back and chest, improve skin texture, and create fuller lips.
Collagen injections tighten and strengthen the surrounding skin, creating a smoother look.
Collagen injections are a non-surgical, minimally invasive, cosmetic procedure with minimal amount of pain, no recovery time, and may be performed during your lunchtime break.
Treatment of Collagen Injections
A skin test may be needed (about a month before) to determine allergic reaction to the substance. The procedure may take about 30 minutes to an hour or more - depending on the amount of area to be treated. The area treated may be puffy, swollen, bruised, or red for a few days. Temporary stinging or throbbing in the injected areas can be expected. The treated area can last about two months to six months or more, depending on many factors such as age and skin type. Results can vary from one individual to the next. The results of collagen injections are not permanent, follow-up appointments are necessary. Treatment is usually performed at the doctor's office.
Risks of Collagen Injections
- Allergic reactions
- Infection
- Abscesses
- Open sores
- Skin peeling
- Scarring and lumpiness in the area that was treated
Cost of Collagen Injections
Costs can vary depending on where you live. Approximately $300 to $1500 and up. Prices may not include other miscellaneous costs.
Always discuss full details of this procedure with a qualified, experienced, board-certified physician / plastic surgeon / dermatologist.
CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast Human-Based Collagen
CosmoDerm (for minor skin defects) and CosmoPlast (for more serious defects) "Human-Based Collagen" implants are sterile injectable liquids made of highly purified human collagen, a natural protein that supports the skin. They are injected into the skin to correct soft tissue defects such as wrinkles and acne scars. These products also contain lidocaine, which numbs the skin at the site of injection.
Previous studies with injections of collagen "derived from cows" (bovine collagen) showed that collagen injections can fill soft tissue contour defects. Clinical studies of injections with "human collagen" showed that the frequency of adverse immune responses (rejection by the body) with the use of CosmoDerm ™ 1 Human-Based Collagen is less than 1.3 per cent. Because of the low percent of adverse responses, each of these two products may be injected without a skin test prior to treatment.
Collagen Injections Are Not For:
- People with severe or multiple allergies that have led to anaphylactic shock (an acute reaction that requires immediate emergency medical assistance).
- People allergic to lidocaine.
- People with an inflamed or infected skin condition.
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People with other medical conditions
- For increasing breast size.
- For implanting into bone, tendon, ligament, or muscle.
References:
FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration)
March 2003
www.fda.gov