Collagen is a protein present in many parts of our body. In the skin, this protein is responsible for maintaining firmness and preventing wrinkles from appearing. Collagen injections as a cosmetic treatment have been increasing in popularity in our environment due to their high safety and ease of application.
Although this procedure does not last as long compared to other products such as botox, the fact that collagen is a protein that is naturally found in our body means that there are rarely common allergy episodes. At FastlyHealwe tell you more about the types, uses, procedures and side effects of this product, we also explain what collagen injections are for .
Table of Contents
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that we can find in many of the human organs, such as the skin, tendons, bones, blood vessels, even in the cornea. However, not all collagen is the same, in fact there are 21 types of collagen and each has a particular location and function. This protein is flexible, but they offer a lot of resistance.
The decrease in the number of collagen fibers is closely related to the appearance of wrinkles due to the loss of elasticity of the skin over the years. In general, collagen injections do not have many side effects, because being a normal component of the body, the risk of it being recognized as a foreign agent and having an inflammatory response is low. However, there are some people who can have some side effects.
What is collagen used for?
Collagen injections can have many uses, among the benefits of collagen we find:
- Smooth out face wrinkles and folds.
- Fill depressions in the skin.
- Reduce scars.
- Nasal reshaping.
- Increase lip size.
The different types of collagen
Currently, there are mainly two types of collagen:
- Bovine collagen : As its name suggests, it is of animal origin (cow), but it is usually very compatible for humans. In most cases the product is accepted very quickly by the human. Even so, there is a certain percentage of people who may be allergic to this type of collagen, so it is recommended to carry out a tolerance test a week before, to determine whether or not there is an allergy to the product.
- Human collagen : It is the purification of collagen from human donors. Unlike the previous one, they do not require a test to determine the allergy; Being of human origin, it does not present allergy risks.
How is the application of collagen
In general, collagen injections are a quick and easy procedure. Sessions usually last no more than 30 to 60 minutes , depending on the person. Initially, it is necessary to wash the face completely, it is likely that an antiseptic will be applied for greater cleaning, in addition, they usually apply a little lodocaine, which serves as a local anestheticin the area where the injections are made. After the injections, there will probably be no pain from the anesthesia, but if there is some swelling and redness, there will likely be some pain in the area days later. In general, you can take a few pastes to relieve pain and swelling, if your doctor recommends it. You do not have to rest a lot with this procedure, after a few days you can resume your daily activities.
How long does collagen last?
Since collagen is a protein present in the body, the results will not be as long-lasting as those of botox , but they are much safer. Depending on the origin of the injected collagen, the duration of the product may vary, but on average, the injections last between 12 and 14 weeks . From there, the collagen is likely to begin to break down or be absorbed. A minimum of two touch-ups a year is recommended to ensure a consistent and natural-looking result. This is just population data, each person is different.
Side effects
As we have discussed previously, some people can develop allergies to collagen. The collagen that is injected can have two origins: human or animal, after going through a purification process to be suitable for humans. Those people who are injected with collagen of animal origin , may have a higher risk of having allergies to collagen, however, this is usually very rare. The most common side effects include:
- Swelling.
- Redness
- Bruising
In general, these symptoms can disappear after a few hours or days. Collagen should only be injected by professional and trained personnel, risks, amount injected, and side effects should be discussed with that person. This guide is not a substitute for the healthcare professional.
Other uses
- Collagen can also be used to treat joint pain . Collagen is thought to be able to recover wear and tear on the joints.
- Furthermore, it can also be used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis .
- It is proposed that collagen can also be used in patients with type 2 diabetes , as it helps to moisturize the skin and reduce the risk of infections.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What are collagen injections for , we recommend that you enter our category of Aesthetic treatments .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.