Are collagen injections permanent? Injections of collagen are a painless way to revitalize and renew the skin. Our skin’s suppleness and structure are attributed to the body’s natural collagen. Fine lines and wrinkles develop as a result of our skin gradually losing its elasticity and collagen levels as we age.

Touch-up injections could be required every three to twelve months, and the procedure’s results are typically not permanent. However, for some people, the collagen injections can increase the body’s natural production of collagen, extending the interval between subsequent injections.

One of the best and safest ways to reduce wrinkles and give volume and fullness to the lips is through permanent collagen injection. Results are instantaneous and can last for eight to ten months. No matter what you do, wrinkles and creases will eventually appear when your skin loses its flexibility. A permanent collagen injection procedure is one way to improve the appearance of your skin or fix particular imperfections. Continue reading to discover more about collagen injections versus fillers and at-home collagen injections.

Your skin looks smoother and plumper with collagen and other injectable wrinkle fillers. Although the most well-known filler is collagen, surgeons can employ a variety of other substances, such as synthetic materials and body fat, to plump up your skin.

What Does Collagen Do for the Skin?

To understand collagen, you should first understand your skin.

Skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis). The uppermost layer, known as the epidermis, controls the loss of water from cells and tissue.

Without this protective barrier, the body would quickly dehydrate.

Just below the epidermis lies the second layer, the dermis. The dermis, although it contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles, is primarily made up of a protein called “collagen.” This protein forms a network of fibers that provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. Because it is the primary component of the dermis, collagen acts as the support structure for the skin. The hypodermis is a layer of fat and connective tissue that contains larger blood vessels and nerves. It also hosts sweat glands, fat, and collagen cells. The hypodermis is responsible for conserving your body’s heat and protecting your vital inner organs.

Why Do Lines Appear on Skin?

Your skin looks smoother and plumper with collagen and other injectable wrinkle fillers. Although the most well-known filler is collagen, surgeons can employ a variety of other substances, such as synthetic materials and body fat, to plump up your skin.

How Do Collagen Injections Work?

Collagen injections replenish the skin’s natural collagen.  By supplementing your skin’s collagen, injections help smooth facial lines and some types of scars. The natural beauty of your skin is increased as the contour of the support structure is restored. Collagen can come from cows (bovine), pigs (porcine), or human cells.

Collagen injections include the following brands: Bellafill, CosmoDerm, CosmoPlast, Zyderm and Zyplast, as well as the implant Fibr

What Are Some Other Injectable Wrinkle Fillers?

Collagen may be the most widely known filler, but there are many others that work differently from collagen injections. Among them are:

• Botulinum toxin (Botox Cosmetic, Dysport, Jeuveau, Xeomin) is not an actual wrinkle filler. Instead, botulinum toxin is injected into facial muscles to immobilize the underlying cause of lines and wrinkles. Botulinum toxin may improve eyebrow furrows, crow’s feet, and forehead creases.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) is a semipermanent wrinkle filler that’s suspended in a water-based gel. It’s used to increase soft tissue. It improves the surface texture of your skin and stimulates your own collagen to enable the product to last longer.
• Fat from your own thighs or abdomen can also be injected. There’s no risk of allergic reaction, since it’s from your own body. Most people achieve semipermanent results. Several injections may be required to get the most benefit.
• Hyaluronic acid  (Belotero, Elevess, Juvederm, Prevelle Silk, Restylane, Restylane Lyft with Lidocaine, Revance) is a substance normally made by the body that gives your skin its volume and fullness. Hyaluronic acid injections fill the space between collagen and elastin fibers within the skin. That replenishes the natural volume lost with aging. There is always a risk for skin infection with injections, and you will need repeated treatments to maintain the result. Hyaluronic acid also attracts and binds water, which helps maintain fullness where it’s injected. Some hyaluronic acid materials are thicker and can add significant volume and structure. Others are smoother and thinner and have the ability to flow more consistently.
•  Poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) is an injectable filler used to replace lost facial fat. This synthetic polymer has been used for many years in dissolvable stitches and bone screws. This product stimulates the body’s own collagen for better skin texture and a longer-lasting result.
•  Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA microspheres—Bellafill) are tiny, round, smooth plastic particles. Thousands of synthetic PMMA microspheres are embedded in cow collagen, which is gradually absorbed by your body and replaced by your own collagen. Since the beads are not readily reabsorbed, and your own collagen is stimulated to form around them, this filler can last for years. Injections are placed under skin folds and in hollows to re-volumize and improve skin tone and texture.

At Home Collagen Injections

Injections of collagen or fillers may be useful in this situation. Your skin’s natural collagen is restored by them. Collagen has the ability to fill in skin depressions, smooth out wrinkles, and even notably lessen the visibility of scars.

Collagen injections’ advantages (and disadvantages) will be discussed in this article along with how they stack up against other aesthetic skin procedures. Find out everything you should know before you get plump by reading on.

What are the benefits of collagen injections?

Collagen is the skin’s most abundant protein. It’s found in your bones, cartilage, skin, and tendons.

Collagen injections (commercially known as Bellafill) are a cosmetic procedure that is done by injecting collagen—made up of bovine (cow) collagen—under your skin.

Possible benefits include the following:

1.They can replace your skin’s natural collagen

With the breakdown of collagen occurring in the body after a certain age, collagen injections can replace your body’s original supply of collagen.

As collagen is largely responsible for the skin’s elasticity, this leaves the skin with a more youthful appearance.

One study Trusted Source looked at 123 people who received human collagen in the folds between their brows for a year. Researchers found that 90.2 percent of participants were satisfied with their results.

Collagen injections reduce wrinkles in other specific facial areas as well, including the:

• nose
• eyes (crow’s feet)
• mouth (frown lines)
• forehead

2.They can reduce the appearance of scars

Soft-tissue fillers such as collagen are ideal for improving the appearance of depressed (sunken) or hollow scars.

Bovine collagen is injected under the scar to stimulate collagen growth and to elevate the skin depression caused by the scar.

3.They can plump the lips

Collagen lip fillers plump up the lips, adding fullness and volume.

While these were once some of the most commonly used fillers for lips, fillers that contain hyaluronic acid (HA) have since become more popular.

HA is a naturally occurring gel-like molecule in the body that keeps the skin moisturized. Like collagen, it plumps the lips and can be used to smooth out the vertical lines above the lips (nasolabial folds).

Unlike collagen, however, HA is temporary and is broken down by the body over time.

Where on your body can collagen be injected?

Collagen injections are not a one-trick pony.

In addition to smoothing out various areas of the face, they can add plumpness to:

• lips
• cheeks
• acne scars
• stretch marks

Regarding the latter, collagen has a lot more to do with stretch marks than you might think.

Stretch marks are caused when the skin stretches or shrinks too quickly. This could be due to various reasons, such as pregnancy, growth spurts, sudden weight gain or loss, and muscle training.

When this happens, the collagen in the skin ruptures, leading to uneven scars in the skin.

Injecting collagen into stretch marks causes the skin to heal itself and appear smoother.

How long do collagen injections last?

Collagen injections are considered permanent, although results are reported to last up to 5 years. This is in comparison to HA fillers, which are temporary, only lasting around 3 to 6 months.

May last longer the more you have

In some cases, results may last longer the more collagen injections you have.

For example, this 2005 study Trusted Source found that the positive results lasted about 9 months after the first injection, 12 months after the second injection, and 18 months after the third injection.

Location may affect how long results last

Other factors can predict how long the results last, such as the location of the injection site as well as the type of injection material used. Here are a few examples:

• For smoothing out wrinkles on the face, you may have to get touch-ups several times throughout the year.
• For scar reductions, you may only have to make one to two visits a year, depending on how severe the scar is.
• Lip enhancements should be done every 3 months.

The effects of collagen injections are immediate, although it may take up to a week or even months for full results.

This a major plus for those who are looking to walk out of their plastic surgeon’s or dermatologist’s office with more radiant, younger-looking skin.

What are the side effects of collagen injections?

Since a skin test is administered by a healthcare professional and monitored for a week prior to injecting collagen, serious reactions are rare.

It’s especially important to do a skin test if you’re using bovine collagen to avoid aggravating any allergies.

However, as with any cosmetic procedure, there could be possible side effects. These include:

• skin redness
• skin discomfort, including swelling, bleeding, and bruising
• infection at the injection site
• skin rash with itching
• possible scarring
• lumps
• wound on the face if the injection penetrates too deeply into a blood vessel (a rare side effect)
• blindness if the injection is too close to the eyes (also rare)

Additionally, you might not be satisfied with the results from your plastic surgeon or dermatologist.

What other dermatological options are available for skin issues like wrinkles or scarring?

1. Collagen supplements

Research has found that collagen supplements and peptides are useful in slowing down the aging process by increasing skin elasticity and hydration.

ResearchTrusted Source has found that taking a collagen supplement containing 2.5 grams of collagen daily for 8 weeks led to significant results.

The most noticeable difference between collagen supplements and injections is how fast results show.

The effects of injections are immediate, while collagen supplements show results over time.

2. Injectable fat

Microlipoinjection, or fat injection, involves recycling the body’s own fat by taking it from one area and injecting it into another.

It’s commonly used for improving the appearance of:

• aging hands
• sun-damaged skin
• scars

There are fewer allergic risks involved compared to using collagen because a person’s own fat is used for the procedure.

3. Facial fillers

Botox may be popular, but it’s not the only way to fight signs of aging.

Right now, dermal fillers that contain HA are commonly used in the United States.

Compared to collagen injections, they provide shorter-lasting results but are considered a safer alternative.

How Many Collagen or Filler Injections Will You Need?

That depends on which product you use. Just like natural collagen, collagen replacements begin to lose form and will eventually wear down. Treatment may require collagen injections two to four times a year to maintain the smoothing effects.

The “softer” hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Restylane-L, and Juvederm Ultra XC last 3 to 9 months or longer depending on the product and where it is placed. Other fillers last longer:

• Radiesse and Restylane Lyft last up to 1 year or longer.
• Sculptra, Juvederm Voluma, and Juvederm Vollure last up to 1 1/2 years or longer.
• Bellafill is a semi-permanent filler that can last years.

How Do You Know if Injectable Fillers Are Right for You?

You and your doctor will discuss your medical history and the areas you want treated with injectable fillers. Injections are not appropriate for certain lines and scars or when certain medical conditions are present. It is very important to discuss and understand what filler injections can do for you.

If you and your doctor decide injections are appropriate, your doctor may start with a skin test in your forearm to determine if you are sensitive to the substance being used. You must watch the area very carefully over a four-week period. Most men and women tested show no reaction to the skin test.

Why Aren’t Creams Containing Collagen Enough to Smooth Out Lines?

Collagen creams work only on the skin surface. A moisturizer with or without collagen cannot penetrate the skin and is not designed to be absorbed. No moisturizer can undo the cumulative effect of collagen loss and make wrinkles disappear. Creams primarily slow the rate of water loss from the skin and help keep the skin supple.

Collagen Injections Vs Fillers

While dermal fillers use synthetic agents, collagen injections use a natural one. Collagen is a protein found in the human body and is responsible for healthy skin. Collagen production declines as we grow older, resulting in sagging skin.

Dermal fillers or wrinkle fillers are injections used to fill in lines and wrinkles to make the face look more youthful. They add volume to the skin and can be used on the face or the hands.  Treatment time may vary, and the results can last for four months or more.

At the facility of Dr. Steven Warnock, MD, we offer collagen injections, a more natural alternative to dermal fillers.

Types of dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are a popular type, and there are many brands. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in cartilage and skin. Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid stimulate the body’s production of collagen, a type of protein that gives structure to the skin.

Depending on the type used, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler can last for several months or more. Side effects are rare but can include bruising, redness and swelling. The filler can also form tiny bumps under the skin.

Synthetic dermal fillers are made in labs and don’t have anything to do with substances that occur naturally in the skin. As a result, they are not eventually absorbed into the body the way collagen or hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are.

Synthetic dermal fillers therefore last longer than other dermal fillers, but they are more likely to cause side effects such as bruising, redness or swelling. They can also cause the formation of bumps or nodules under the skin that can need surgical removal.

Collagen Injections

While dermal fillers use synthetic agents, collagen injections use a natural one. Collagen is a protein found in the human body and is responsible for healthy skin. Collagen production declines as we grow older, resulting in sagging skin.

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in your bones, cartilage, tendons and (you guessed it) your skin. The collagen present within your skin is responsible for maintaining the smooth, firm appearance of your face when you’re young. However, as you get older, your body gradually produces less collagen and existing collagen begins to weaken and break down.

Thus, you start to lose that suppleness and volume of youth, and soft tissue begins to sag and wrinkle.
Collagen-boosting dermal fillers work by helping to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen in areas where it has depleted over time. Immediately, the natural fullness of your skin will be restored as the support structure of your skin is strengthened by increased collagen production.

Collage Fillers Results

Collagen-boosting filler injections are a relatively straightforward procedure. Dr. Verbin will administer the injections through a small needle into the areas of your skin you’ve chosen to treat. While you may experience some minor discomfort from the injections, the procedure can be combined with a local anesthetic to numb pain. Injections will take effect almost instantaneously to visibly smooth lines and add volume to the face.

The long-lasting benefits of collagen-boosting fillers will continue to be seen over time—as your body absorbs the filler, it also builds its own healthy new collagen to naturally supplement the treatment. Most patients can expect to enjoy their results of collagen-boosting fillers for up to a year or longer, though a regular schedule of injections may be recommended to maintain your aesthetic goals.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers first hit the U.S. in the early 2000s and are now considered by many to be the premier choice for wrinkle fillers. According to ASAPS, hyaluronic acid fillers have become one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and were the second most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure of 2017, behind Botox. Hyaluronic acid, like collagen, is present in our skin and helps maintain facial volume and softness.

The primary function of hyaluronic acid in our bodies is to maintain the correct balance of moisture through its ability to attract and hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid fillers effectively plump and hydrate your skin and lips by trapping water molecules beneath the surface, resulting in softer, smoother skin.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Results

Similar to collagen-boosting fillers, some discomfort may be experienced during your treatment, and minor pain at the site of injections may occur but will subside after a few days. Some bruising or swelling may occur immediately after injections but will also diminish within a few days.

Results of these fillers are immediate and can last anywhere from six to twelve months. Additional treatments are needed to maintain the appearance, but some research suggests that hyaluronic acid can stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen and continue to improve your skin months after the treatment.

Collagen injections address the source of the skin problem, adding natural proteins to improve the skin.

Similar to other treatments, collagen is injected under the skin. Results can last for six months to two years.

Don’t confuse fillers with Botox and its competitors, Dysport and Xeomin. These are injectables that help smooth so-called dynamic lines—such as forehead furrows and crow’s feet caused by frowning and smiling—by blocking muscle contractions under the skin. Instead, the half dozen FDA-approved cosmetic (or dermal) fillers on the market help restore the contours of the face by padding folds and wrinkles and replacing lost volume.

Fillers don’t replace a facelift because they won’t lift skin that has a lot of sagging, says plastic surgeon Hatem Abou-Sayed, MD, FACS, who practices in West Palm Beach, Fla. “But if there’s not a lot of skin laxity, fillers can replace lost volume, and that will contribute to a younger, more well-rested appearance.” Here’s a look at some of the most popular types.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are made of a sugar that occurs naturally in the body. Popular brands include Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, Belotero Balance, Elevess, and Prevelle Silk. These gel formulations come in thin and slightly thicker consistencies. They can fill both shallow areas, such as fine lines above the lips, and deeper folds, like those around the nose and the so-called marionette lines, creases that run downward from the corners of the mouth.

Hyaluronic fillers can also plump up thinning lips, restore volume to cheeks, fill under-eye hollows, and add definition to a slackening jawline. The effects remain visible anywhere from four months to a year, depending on the area treated. Results vary from person to person. If you don’t like the result, hyaluronic acid fillers can be reversed with an injection of the enzyme hyaluronidase.

Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres, a compound similar to minerals found in the body, make up the main ingredient in Radiesse. Thicker than hyaluronic acid, it’s most effective where more volume is needed—to build up a weak chin, strengthen a jawline, pad sunken cheeks, or fill deep wrinkles. Results last a year or longer.

Poly L-lactic acid, known by the brand name Sculptra, is a biodegradable synthetic material also used in stitches. It doesn’t provide the kind of instant plumping that other fillers do. Instead, it gradually stimulates the body to regenerate its own collagen. You’ll need a series of three to six injection sessions, about a month apart, for results lasting up to two years.

Collagen fillers often come from cows (bovine) or human cells. The body slowly absorbs the collagen over time so regular injections may be needed to maintain results. Hyaluronic fillers are now more commonly used than collagen.

The 411 on Wrinkle Fillers

Considering wrinkle fillers? Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a Doctor.  Your best bet: a board-certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or otolaryngologist who injects fillers daily.

Cost.  Generally, the longer a filler lasts, the more expensive it is. Prices vary widely by location and by how much training the person who injects has undergone. Hyaluronic acid fillers cost from about $400 to $900 per syringe, Radiesse about $800 to $1,500 per syringe, and Sculptra, $1,000 to $1,750 per vial.

Ouch Factor.  Fillers are often mixed with lidocaine to minimize discomfort. A numbing cream applied before the injections will also help reduce pain.

Side Effects.  You may have redness, swelling, or bruising that can last up to a few weeks. Don’t schedule your filler appointment less than two weeks before a big event. Allergic and other reactions, though rare, can occur.

Conclusion

Before getting a collagen injection, you will need a collagen skin test. A small amount of collagen is injected in the forearm and the area is monitored over the next month, looking for any signs of an allergic reaction. If you don’t have any indication of an allergy, your doctor can proceed with collagen treatments. You may receive a small injection of local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. There is a possibility of slight bruising, and you may experience puffiness, redness, and tenderness around the treated site.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor exactly what you can expect from each treatment. Together, you can prioritize which facial areas you wish to have treated and discuss how many treatments you may need and the estimated cost. You should have realistic expectations about what the results may be. It’s important to know that one treatment probably will not remove every line on your face.

Depending on the substance injected, you will need continued treatments to maintain the smoothing effect. That’s why it’s a good idea to discuss cost. Keep in mind that health insurance doesn’t pay for cosmetic procedures. So be sure you’re clear on what you’ll need to pay for and what your payment options are.