Collagen injections

In order to understand how collagen injections work we must understand the workings of the human skin. The skin contains two layers the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and its function is to protect the bodies organs. It also functions as a barrier. The epidermis controls the amount of fluids and salts that are lost by the human body. It also prevents the loss of the bodies cells and tissues. The epidermis is responsible for the prevention of dehydration.

The dermis which lies below the epidermis is made up of a network of blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles. It also contains a large amount of protein which is called collagen. The collagen in the dermis is a support system for the body and its tissues. It acts as support structure for the outer layer of the skin as well.

The collagen that is found in the dermis of the skin starts out as a very elastic and pliable substance. It is well hydrated and is very resilient when we are young. However as a person ages and is exposed to environmental hazards, the collagen in the skin starts to break down and becomes less pliable. This is when most people start to see wrinkles and fine lines in the face and other areas of the body.

Many things are responsible for the break down of collagen in the dermis. Aging is the main reason. Other things that can cause premature aging of the skin or wrinkles include exposure to the sun’s rays and smoking. Every time a person smiles or frowns the potential for fine lines or wrinkles is increased. People who frown excessively or are known to squint excessively are more likely to have worry lines around the brow early in life for instance.

Collagen injections can be used to replace the collagen that is broken down in the skin due to aging or other factors. Granted there are many collagen creams and other things on the market today which claim to repair wrinkles and fine lines however most collagen creams cannot move below the epidermis of the skin. Collagen molecules are too large to be considered transdermal or have the ability to be absorbed into the skin into the dermis where they would be needed to make the necessary repairs.

Due to this collagen injections are considered to be an effective way to remove fine lines and wrinkles in areas of the face. The collagen works by plumping up the areas where it is injected so that the lines are not noticeable anymore. Collagen injections can be used to reduce the lines from scarring on the face as well.

There are different collagen products on the market today that can be injected by a medical professional. There are collagen products that are made from bovine sources. These injections do carry the possibility of having an allergic reaction to the material and require a skin test prior to injection. There are also bioengineered human collagen products that can be used. The advantage to these is that no skin test is needed prior to injecting these products for allergy purposes.

Collagen injections can be used for other purposes. It is not being used for wrinkles alone. One of the most popular collagen injections today seem to be the ones that are used to plump up lips. Many actresses and models today are touting those really plump pouty lips that are desirable by many women. Most of these are made due to collagen injections into the lip area.

Collagen injections do not last forever. They do break down over time and have to be redone. Most people require injections between two to four times a year to maintain the amount of collagen they need once the initial injections are done.

Collagen injections should be done by a trained medical professional. They should never be done by anyone other than those trained medically to do so. These injections can be costly. Anyone interested in these injections should consult with their physician or seek out a cosmetic surgeon or other medical professional. They can then find out if collagen injections will work for them.

Last updated on Dec 11th, 2009 and filed under Plastic Surgery. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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