Frequently Asked Collagen Questions

In Denver, Colorado
The Art of Compassion    The Science of Beauty

What is collagen?

Collagen occurs naturally in the body and is the main protein component of cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. Our skin is supported by a matrix of collagen fibers which help give young skin that smooth look and help it retain elasticity. As we age, collagen levels in the body naturally decrease, leaving the overlying skin looser and more susceptible to gravitational pull, which causes sags and wrinkles. In the cosmetic surgeon's office, collagen is most often used as a filler to plump up areas where natural collagen levels have decreased.

What is collagen injection therapy?

A very fine needle is used to inject collagen under the skin of the wrinkled area. The filler expands the skin, smoothing the wrinkles and giving you a younger, fresher look.

Is collagen injection therapy safe?

Originally approved by the FDA in 1981, various forms of collagen treatments have been introduced and thoroughly tested. To ensure that collagen treatment is the right option, your cosmetic surgeon may conduct skin testing to verify that you are not allergic to the collagen components.

What is laser collagen treatment?

Some cosmetic surgeons use a sciton laser system to  perform many laser cosmetic procedures, including collagen replacement. During the procedure, you may feel slight warmth from the laser, but there is usually little discomfort.

Advantages of laser treatment:

  • There are no needles
  • The laser has a cool spray which protects the skin surface from heat
  • It’s short, taking only about ten minutes

The laser stimulates your body's cells to create new, more robust collagen to replace what is lost during the aging process. Typically, four or five treatments are recommended.

What conditions can collagen therapy correct?

  • Wrinkles caused by the pull of gravity
  • Crows feet near the eyes
  • Vertical lines around the lips

Collagen is effective in filling out sunken areas of the face where wrinkles form because of years of being pulled down by gravity. It is not used to treat wrinkles formed by muscle activity over the years, like smile and laugh lines or frown lines, which is usually treated with Botox®.

What are the risks of collagen treatment?

Some people are allergic to collagen. Therefore, your cosmetic surgeon will conduct a skin test prior to any collagen treatment to ensure that you are not allergic.

Infection is very rarely a complication, and can be treated with antibiotics.

How long does the procedure take?

The laser collagen treatment takes about 10 minutes. Collagen injections take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.

How long does the collagen therapy last?

Collagen treatments can last from six weeks to six months, and possibly longer. Follow-up treatments every six months or so are recommended to maintain your new, youthful appearance.

Who should not have collagen therapy?

Women who are pregnant and patients with autoimmune diseases do not make good candidates for collagen therapy. Be sure to disclose all pertinent medical history to your cosmetic surgeon during the consultation period.

Do collagen creams work to eliminate wrinkles?

No. The area of the skin where collagen resides is the dermal layer, the second layer down. Creams containing collagen, or anything else, cannot penetrate into the dermal layer. In order to get the collagen to this layer, it must be injected or stimulated to grow with laser technology.

Most experienced cosmetic surgeons offer collagen injections, along with other skin treatments, both with and without lasers. To decide whether collagen injections are the best way to go for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Fante.

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.