Collagen

Once considered the standard in collagen replacement therapies, Zyderm® and Zyplast®, have been on the market for over twenty years and have yielded very nice results. The main concern with these products is that they are made from bovine, or cow collagen, which can cause an allergic reaction in two to three percent of the population. With this in mind, collagen patients must have a simple skin test performed about a month prior to treatment.

Today, a new type of collagen is available called CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast®. These products are made from purified human skin tissue, eliminating the risk of an allergic reaction. Because there is no animal product associated with this collagen treatment, no skin testing is required, allowing patients to receive treatment immediately.

CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are injected just below the surface of the skin, filling unwanted nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip line crevices (smoker’s lines), forehead lines, frown lines and moderate to severe facial wrinkles. These collagen products are also commonly used to enhance lip fullness.

Results are immediate and generally last three to six months. Without repeat treatments, the body gradually absorbs the collagen and the treated area will return to its original appearance.

Before		After

Frequently Asked Questions

How are collagen injections different from hyaluronic acid injections?
The body naturally contains both collagen and hyaluronic acid. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin while hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar substance that attracts and binds water, giving skin volume and firmness. Both types of injections yield similar results, the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, and can be used in conjunction with each other – hyaluronic acid providing volume, and collagen providing structural support. Generally, the injection area and individual preferences will determine which product will be used.

What is CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast®?
CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are made from purified human skin tissue. Because there is no animal product associated with either, no skin testing is necessary to determine if there could be an allergic reaction, allowing patients immediate, same-day results.

Are CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® safe?
Yes. CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are the only FDA-approved, commercially available fillers that contain human collagen. Because there is no animal product associated with either, skin testing is not required. Additionally, these products are aesthetic applications of the same tissue-engineering technology that has been used in the treatment of burns and other wounds for over a decade.

Will I experience any side effects from the treatment?
The side effects from CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast® are minimal. After treatment, some patients may experience redness and/or swelling around the injection site that last a few days or longer.

How often will I need to repeat the treatment?
By supplementing your own collagen with injectable collagen, select wrinkles and most scars can be softened and deeper frown lines and nasal furrows can be reduced. Typically, collagen injections need to be repeated every three to four months.

How long does a collagen injection take?
The length of the procedure depends on the area treated. Typically the procedure is complete in 60 – 90 minutes.