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Collagen

Reduce Signs of Aging Overnight

At our Santa Rosa and San Francisco offices we offer Collagen treatments to help men and women with minimizing the signs of aging, but don’t want to take time away from their active lifestyles. Collagen is an important natural component of our skin’s structure. In young skin, collagen is abundant and imparts plumpness and elasticity. As we age, the amount and quality of the collagen in our body decreases. As a result, our faces begin to show the effects of gravity, prolonged sun exposure, and years of repeated facial muscle movement.

The underlying tissues that keep the skin looking youthful and plump begin to break down, often leaving laugh lines, thinned lips, crow’s feet, and facial creases. Injectable collagen or fat can help fill in these lines and creases, temporarily restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. It is important to realize that injectables cannot change facial contour and this procedure may need to be performed in conjunction with a resurfacing or recontouring procedure. In certain locations, BOTOX® and collagen are amazingly synergistic when used together.

FAQ

Before the Procedure

Surgeons use a form of collagen derived from cows (injectable bovine collagen and filler) to correct facial imperfections. The bovine collagen is purified to create a product that is very similar to human collagen. This injectable collagen filler received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1981. When injected underneath the skin, collagen serves to plump up deficient areas of the face, filling out wrinkles, skin depressions, and some scars.

Common areas treated with collagen and filler injections include crow’s feet, nasolabial folds (the crease from the nose to the corner of the lip), perioral (around the mouth) wrinkles, and the lips.

Prior to receiving collagen treatments, each patient is tested for a possible allergic reaction. A small amount of collagen is injected into the forearm, and the area is observed for four weeks for any signs of an allergic reaction. Approximately 2 percent of patients are found to be allergic to collagen.

Collagen may be contraindicated in patients with allergies to bovine (cow) products or lidocaine, in patients on steroid or immunosuppressive therapy, and in patients with connective tissue or autoimmune diseases.

At the time of your consultation, your surgeon will determine how much collagen will be needed to achieve your desired results and give you a fee estimate for the procedure.

Procedure

The collagen itself contains local anesthetic, but a topical anesthetic may be used in conjunction to reduce the discomfort. Most patients report that the injections are relatively painless, though you may find that the areas around the nose or lips are uncomfortable. You may experience some swelling or bruising for several days, so do not schedule your collagen injection the day before a special occasion.

Collagen injection treatments can take only minutes, depending on how many areas you wish to treat. Results are immediate and the procedure time is so short, you can sneak in a treatment at lunchtime.

After Procedure

The results of collagen injections are temporary because of its eventual absorption by the body. The duration of the effect is dependent upon several factors: the age of the patient, the part of the body that’s being treated, and the patient’s skin quality, genetic background, and lifestyle. A touch-up or maintenance session is required every two to six months to maintain the desired correction.

Patients in Santa Rosa or San Francisco who are interested in collagen treatment should contact our offices and make an appointment. We offer the highest level of medical care at all our offices located in San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Rosa.

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