Collagen fillers were one of the first injectable fillers to be used in anti-aging procedures. This procedure is still highly sought out by many people so if you’ve been considering this alternative and what it involves, read on for the details. Knowing more about how the process works will help you determine whether this is a cosmetic procedure that will be right for you.

If you aren’t very skincare savvy, you’ll want to know about collagen and what part it plays not only when it comes to your skin, but aging as well. Collagen is a type of protein that is found within the dermis, the second layer of skin. Collagen makes up most of the dermis, along with nerves, blood vessels and hair follicles. The collagen provides support for the growth of new cells and blood vessels. Over time, this support system starts to wear down, resulting in a loss of elasticity and collagen. When this happens, the signs of aging - fine lines and wrinkles - start to appear.

Collagen injections work to replenish the skin’s natural collagen production. Collagen fillers typically use bovine (cow) collagen and are injected into the dermis, where the new collagen is welcomed into the skin and immediately starts working to provide more structural support for the new cells and blood vessels. The surgeon usually applies a local numbing anesthetic to the area and inserts the needle along the lines of your wrinkle or fine line. Collagen injections aren’t permanent, however, and will slowly start to lose effect. To maintain the best results, most patients get between 2-4 collagen injections a year. Collagen fillers are mostly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines that appear on the neck, face, hands and other areas of the body. This procedure is ideal for those with typical wrinkles and fine lines and not the deep, furrowed kind that tend to develop around the brow.

It’s best to find a skilled and qualified physician to do your collagen injections. Make sure you let the physician know what results you are hoping and what areas you want to treat. Most doctors will do a test injection to make sure you don’t experience any negative reactions to the collagen filler. If you show no signs of a reaction within four weeks, then you’ll be given the green light to have the injections done. Most side effects include swelling, bruising, puffiness and redness around the area. A rare but possible health risk that can occur when receiving a collagen filler is the chance that the skin will reject the bovine collagen. However, the bovine collagen used in the majority of fillers is purified to decrease this risk. Infection from the needle and the injection itself is also possible. This is why it is important to do a test injection beforehand.

While the cost for collagen fillers varies from state to state, the procedure can range between $600-1,000. When it comes to finding a cosmetic surgeon to perform the procedure, it is important to interview a handful instead of just going with the first one you come across. Make sure they have the necessary licenses/qualifications, as well as references and plenty of before and after photos.

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