Collagen is a natural protein that provides structural support. It is found throughout the body in skin, muscle, tendon and bone. Fibers of collagen are woven together like threads in fabric to form a framework into which new cells can grow. In the skin, collagen provides texture, resiliency and shape.
Before After
Photos Courtesy of Inamed
How do Zyderm® Collagen and Zyplast® Collagen work?
Both Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen lend additional support to the collagen network within the skin. When a practitioner injects small amounts of either material directly into areas where the body’s own collagen has been weakened, depressions can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Thus, lines and scars can be minimised, texture is improved, and the skin has a softer and more even tone.
Can injectable collagen take the place of surgical procedures such as face-lifts and dermabrasion?
No. Injectable collagen treatments are not meant for people who have excess facial skin or for those who want a major resurfacing of the skin. However, practitioners often use Zyderm® or Zyplast® Collagen in conjunction with surgery to fill in depressions not amenable to surgery. By using injectable collagen following a face-lift or dermabrasion, surgical results can be enhanced.
Before After
Photos Courtesy of Inamed
What other special precautions are necessary?
Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen should be used with caution in people on immuno-suppressive therapy and in people with a history of allergic reactions. Be sure to tell your practitioner of any allergies you may have, and any medicines or treatment you are currently taking.
If you have an infection or inflammation or cold sores (cysts, pimples, rashes, or hives) at the site to be treated, then your practitioner will postpone treatment until the infection or inflammation is controlled. Zyplast® Collagen is not recommended for use close to the eyes.
Zyderm® Collagen and Zyplast® Collagen have not been shown to be safe during pregnancy or lactation, or in children. With both Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen, you may also notice temporary blushing, slight bruising and tenderness around the treatment sites. Like the puffiness, these are normal occurrences and all should subside within a few days. Although the material is generally not visibly distinguishable from the surrounding skin, some patients have reported that they were initially able to feel the outline of the injected collagen. However, as the new collagen is incorporated into your own skin, the treatment site takes on the natural look and feel of healthy skin. Any redness and/or visible swelling that persists for more than a few days may indicate a reaction to the material. Be sure to report this or any other questionable symptoms to your practitioner.
What is involved in injectable collagen treatment?
There are three steps: a skin test, the treatment series, and periodic top ups.
How does the skin test work?
To determine if you are eligible for treatment with either Zyderm® or Zyplast® Collagen, your practitioner will inject a small amount of collagen into your forearm, just below the skin’s surface. Both you and your practitioner should watch the test site closely for four weeks for any signs of sensitivity to the material such as redness, swelling, or itching. Pay special attention to your test site during the first three days since the majority of test reactions occur during this period. At the first sign of any of these problems, contact your practitioner. Only about three out of every 100 tested patients showed a sensitivity to the test and cannot be treated with injectable collagen; 97 percent of all tested patients can be treated. Your practitioner may wish to do a second skin test.
When does treatment start?
Treatment can begin after the four-week test observation period if you are not sensitive to the skin test. Treatment involves a series of surgery visits – usually two weeks apart. Most patients see considerable improvement in one to three treatment sessions depending on the size, shape, and texture of the area undergoing treatment.
Do the injections hurt?
You may find that the injections are somewhat uncomfortable, particularly around the nose or lips. However, both Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen contain a small amount of lignocaine that helps numb the area temporarily, and most people report that the injections are relatively painless.
How will my skin look and feel immediately after treatment?
Most patients feel comfortable in resuming their normal activities following treatment. Temporary puffiness of the treated areas, however, should be expected, especially with Zyderm® Collagen. If you observe any symptoms such as prolonged redness and/or swelling, please inform your practitioner. He or she will determine if you should discontinue treatment; no further injectable collagen can be administered to anyone who has experienced an allergic reaction to the material.
Does the correction last forever?
No. Top up injections will be needed to maintain maximum correction. Because both Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagen are so similar to your own skin, they will be altered by the same ongoing mechanical forces such as smiling or other muscle activity and biochemical processes – such as ageing and active acne – that caused the original skin depressions.
How often will I need a top up injection?
Most patients who choose to receive top ups for lines or furrows do so within 3 to 12 months of the original treatment series. For scars, and perhaps those depressions treated with Zyplast® Collagen, the time between top ups may be longer.
