Collagen Injections

As we age, the natural chemicals that keep our faces appearing youthful begin producing at a slower rate; causing lines and wrinkles to form. Dr. David Kim can help you look years younger by injecting collagen into certain areas of your face for rejuvenation.

Collagen, which is a chemical derived from bovine collagen, keeps several parts of the body optimally functioning. It is one of the most popular soft tissue fillers available. This substance can be used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles near the eyebrows and around the mouth (nasolabial folds). Collagen injections can also add volume to the lips and cheeks, redefine the shape of the nose, and even reduce the appearance of noticeable scars.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal patient for collagen injections is a patient who is in good health, has realistic goals and expectations, and would like to attain smoother and younger-looking skin. Patients who typically do not qualify for collagen injections are those who are pregnant, are allergic to beef or bovine products, suffer from autoimmune diseases, and/or are allergic to lidocaine (the anesthetic agent that is combined with the collagen material during injection).

What to Expect From This Procedure

To make sure you are not allergic to this substance, a test will be administered into a discrete location on the patient’s body about a month prior to receiving this filler. Once the area is clear from any reaction, Dr. Kim will begin the procedure. He will use a fine needle to inject collagen into several places along the intended site. The procedure should only take a few minutes to an hour, depending on the number of areas treated.

Collagen injections are a temporary cosmetic solution, so in order to maintain beautiful results, additional visits may be required.

Possible Risks

The most predominant, possible risk associated with collagen injections is allergic reaction (but this can be avoided with a skin test given ahead of time). Although reports of these risks are rare, some of the complications associated with collagen injections include infection, open sores, skin peeling, scarring, and lumpiness.

Recovery

There is no downtime and bandages are not needed. Patients should be up and about following treatment. They should be able to eat, drink, and wear makeup (and sunblock protection) shortly thereafter.

Directly following treatment, there may be some minor discomfort, stinging or throbbing. Any bruising, swelling, or redness should dissipate within a day.