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Collagen Replacement

A naturally occurring substance, collagen, is found in the second layer of skin. Collagen, the support structure of the skin, provides the framework for cell growth and circulation. Age, environmental damage, and heredity may cause collagen to break down, leaving undesirable wrinkles, creases and depressions such as "crow's feet", and "frown" or "laugh" lines. Collagen injection and implantation are effective methods of treating these undesirable changes.

Collagen injection and implantation were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1981, and are popular cosmetic procedures. Natural substances derived from purified bovine collagen are used to replace the natural collagen that the skin has lost over time. To improve deep creases or enhance lip fullness, there are filler materials that can be surgically implanted.

In these procedures collagen, along with a local anesthetic, is injected with a tiny needle into the area to be treated. The procedure for both the injections and the implants usually takes less than an hour. Implantation may be done with a local anesthetic. A tiny incision is made at either end of the site and closed with a small suture. Some slight bruising may occur but should disappear fairly soon.

The effects of collagen are only temporary and will need to be repeated every three to six months. Pretreatment is normally done to assure that there is no allergic reaction to the material being used. Patients should be able to resume work and return to all normal activities immediately following collagen replacement. These procedures are safe, time-tested, and normally provide immediate results.

The staff and physicians at The Face & Body Center are available to answer any questions you may have by calling 866-939-4999, or 939-9999 in the Jackson Metro Area.