Why is this procedure done?
Collagen is a type of protein found in the skin. As people get older, collagen breaks down and wrinkles appear. Collagen injections smooth lines, wrinkles, scars, and skin indentations. Sometimes, collagen is put into the lips to make them look fuller. Collagen injections can improve how you look and make you look younger. ‚
What will the results be?
Your unwanted lines will look better almost right away. They will be less easy to see or will disappear. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may:
- Take pictures of the skin being treated
- Order an allergy test based on the type of collagen being used
- Avoid sun exposure and hair removal in the area to be treated a few days before the procedure.
- Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol), since these can thin the blood and increase the chances of bruising after the procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
You will be awake during the procedure. Your face is marked with the areas for treatment. A special soap is used to clean your face and kill germs. Your doctor may give you numbing drugs where the shot is to be given. The doctor uses a fine needle to inject collagen filler to the area with wrinkles or lines. After the procedure, you may be given an ice pack. This will help with pain and swelling. The procedure only takes a few minutes. It may take longer if you are having more than one area done. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home right away. You may have some bruising and swelling. The area may look red for a day or more. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor about putting on makeup.
- Avoid touching the injected area.
- Avoid being out in the sun until any redness or bruising goes away.
- Avoid drinking alcohol as this can make bruising worse.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
Collagen injections do not last forever. You will need to have it done again to keep the results. If you decide not to have more injections, the wrinkles and scars will go back to the original look. Some problems that could happen are: ‚
- Bruising
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Bleeding
- Skin breakdown. This is rare.
- Herpes virus flare-up
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery ‚
http://www.asds.net/_PublicResources.aspx?id=6474&terms=collagen%20injection ‚
American Society of Plastic Surgeons ‚
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers-collagen.html?sub=Special%20considerations,%20risks%20and%20recovery ‚
U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/CosmeticDevices/WrinkleFillers/default.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚