Collagen Injections for Younger Skin
In today’s culture of youth, anti-aging products have become extremely popular. The desire for decreasing fine lines, wrinkles, and creases has led to the rise of collagen injections for smoother, suppler and more youthful skin.
Understanding Skin Structure
To understand the effect of collagen injections on the skin, it is necessary to understand the skin itself.
Skin, the largest organ in the body, consists of three layers:
- Epidermis, the topmost layer; controls water levels
- Dermis, the second layer; made up of a protein known as collagen, which helps with the growth of cells, tissues, and blood vessels
- Hypodermis, the third layer; responsible for conserving body heat and protecting the inner organs
Without the skin as a protective barrier, the body would suffer from the ill effects of dehydration and infections.
Like all parts of the body, the skin changes with age. In young skin, the collagen framework remains intact, so the skin also remains elastic, supple and smooth (i.e., moisturized instead of dry).
Over time, however, this support structure becomes weaker and the skin loses its elastic, supple and smooth qualities. Fine lines start to appear on the skin, which can be worsened by frequent squinting, frowning and smiling.
Replenishing Natural Collagen
Collagen injections are designed to replenish the skin’s stores of natural collagen, bringing back its elastic, supple and smooth qualities (though only temporarily).
Collagen should be injected into your body only by a trained health professional; specifically, a licensed dermatologist.
With so many choices in collagen injections in the market today, the professional opinion of a licensed dermatologist has an added importance. Choices include both synthetic and natural collagen injections, such as:
- Zyderm and Zyplast, made from cows and placed just beneath your skin
- CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast, made from bioengineered human collagen products tested for hypoallergenic uses
It must be noted that collagen injections are not the only dermal fillers used for younger-looking skin.
Dermatologists also consider other injectable fillers like Artecoll, Autologen, and Restylane, as well as fat from your abdomen or thighs.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Before setting up an appointment with a qualified dermatologist for collagen injections, you must first plan for realistic expectations. Although these treatments are not the fountain of youth, they can delay the appearance of wrinkles for a few years.
Depending on the type of collagen filler used, the results can last for anywhere from six weeks to six months. Bovine collagen treatments can last for 6-12 weeks while Autologen treatments can last for several months although, both types will require “touch up” injections to maintain the desired results.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Anaheim, which is conveniently located near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, La Mirada, Cerritos, Buena Park and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit healthpointe.net