What is collagen?
Injectable Zyderm and Zyplast collagen, natural substances derived from purified bovine (cow) collagen, essentially replace the natural collagen that the skin loses over time. Collagen injections are most useful in the treatment of frown lines, "crow’s feet," and nasolabial folds (smile lines). To improve deeper creases or enhance lip fullness, there also are filler materials, such as soft ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoro-ethylene) that can be surgically implanted.

• Fills in lines and creases

• Plumps up sunken areas of the face

• Adds fullness to the lips and cheeks

• Fills out deep furrows

How does it work?
The material is injected into the wrinkle or area you want plumped up.

Results
Results are temporary, lasting from 2 to 6 months.

Safety and Side Effects
Collagen is a one of the safest injectable fillers available. However the following are possible side effects: temporary stinging, throbbing, or burning sensation; faint redness, swelling, and excess fullness; allergic reaction including rash, hives, swelling, or flu-like symptoms; possible triggering of connective tissue or autoimmune diseases (a skin test is required before collagen treatment to determine whether an allergy exists); contour irregularities, infection.

Recovery Time
Most people can resume their normal activities in a few minutes after the treatment.

Before Treatment
Prior to having any collagen injections, you should have a skin sensitivity/allergy test. A small amount is injected into your arm and you must wait at least three weeks before having the full injections to make sure you do not develop an allergic reaction. Zyderm® and Zyplast® Collagens are derived from purified bovine (cow) collagen which can pose problems for those people who are sensitive to the substance.

After Treatment
Keep an icepack on the area for 15 minutes to reduce possible swelling. You may take arnica (under the tongue) every two hours for the first day or two if any bruising occurs.  Some patients report they no longer get migraine headache.

Before & After Photographs