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Collagen Injections
Skin is made up of a protein fiber called collagen. When we're young, this material makes skin smooth and elastic. However, once we reach 35, the collagen begins to deteriorate due to aging, smoking, free radicals, UV rays, and inflammation or irritation of the skin. By 60, the collagen levels are significantly below those that produced the glowing skin of youth. One method some believe restores and rejuvenates the skin is collagen injections made from human and bovine, or cow, collagen; however, such injections do not usually last beyond 2 to 4 months and can be costly. The primary areas that benefit from collagen injections are crow's feet and the nasolabial lines, or smile lines, between the nose and the sides of the mouth. However, newer products such as Botox and Restylane have become popular; and statistics show a 70% decrease in collagen injections in recent years.
Fast Facts
- Collagen injections costs can range from $300 to $400 for each syringe, and some patients require more than one syringe for each application.
- Possible side effects of collagen injections include allergic reactions—especially to bovine injections, pain, infection, abscesses, and scarring, as well as an uneven texture to the skin.
