Collagen Questions and Answers

I wouldn't know what to say to my practitioner

I remember feeling a bit embarrassed about raising the subject. In the end, I found the best way was to say straight out that I wanted to do something about my lines. After all, I feel that having confidence in myself is an important part of healthy living and helps me in my work and in my relationships with my friends and family. The hardest part was making the appointment. Once I had decided, the practitioner was really understanding and told me that many people nowadays seek advice about their appearance.

 

What is Collagen / Restylane Replacement Therapy anyway?

As the practitioner explained to me, Collagen Replacement Therapy (using Zyderm and Zyplast Collagen , or Hyaluronic Acid Implant) helps to replace your natural collagen, which is a protein that supports the skin and gives it its youthful tone and suppleness. Natural collagen is gradually lost from the skin as time passes, leading to facial lines and wrinkles.

I was told that, during treatment, a few simple injections are given under the surface of the skin to help "fill out" and smooth away lines or wrinkles, acne scars or other facial lines. The effects are seen straight away!

So I learned that Collagen Replacement Therapy is completely different from using cosmetics or moisturisers, which can only work on the surface. Because it actually works from within your skin. Collagen can make an immediate and noticeable to the way you look.

 

 

But how will I know it's right for me?

Of course, Collagen Replacement Therapy isn't for everyone and it's always a very personal decision. Even if it does sound interesting to you, it is important to talk to your practitioner about whether your skin condition is suitable and to find out how much improvement you can really expect. But it's good to know that there are so many areas that can improved, such as frown lines, crow's feet and lipstick lines.

Is Collagen only for wrinkles?

That's what I thought. But the practitioner told me that people often have Collagen Replacement for their lips to make more of their lips natural shape and outline. So it's not just the problems of older skin that can be treated in this way (and it's not just film stars that have it done!).

Is it complicated does it hurt?

The procedure turned out to be very simple and straightforward. Like everyone else, I started with a simple skin test in the forearm to help rule out any allergic reactions. Then after 4 weeks, because my skin didn't react. I was able to continue with treatment.

The whole thing only took about half an hour! I had a series of injections with a very fine needle along the lines that I was having treated, and the practitioner massaged the area for a minute or two. Although I didn't feel any pain, it was a little uncomfortable, but that settled down very quickly. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I could see the improvement and it looked so natural! There was a little temporary redness, but I was told I could cover that up easily with a little oil-free makeup. I was amazed at how simple it had been.

What happens to the Collagen afterwards?

I found out that the injected Collagen doesn't stay in the skin forever. It is gradually absorbed by the body, in the same way as the natural protein, so that treatment needs topping up from time to time to keep the new look.

So how often would I have to be treated?

Everyone's skin is different, and you will have to discuss your own treatment plan with your practitioner. But I find I only need a top-up about twice a year; apparently that's about normal, though some people choose to have treatment more often, to keep themselves looking their best. I sometimes have an extra treatment for special occasions, like for my friend's wedding last month!

Yes, but is it a risky procedure?

I was surprised and reassured to find out that animal collagen has been used successfully for over 100 years. It has been used in many different medical applications, such as sutures and replacing faulty valves.

The practitioner then explained that Collagen Replacement Therapy uses a highly purified form of collagen taken from a natural source, which is very similar to the protein found in human tissues. Apparently, more than 2 million treatments around the world have been given so far.

I made a particular pointof asking about side effects. Fortunately, as my practitioner explained, only about 1 or 2% of people experience an allergic reaction, such as redness or itching, and these disappear over time.

Is it really expensive?

I had always thought Collagen would be expensive, a luxury I wouldn't normally afford. But I was surprised how cost effective it could be. It seemed like money well spent because it really made a difference, unlike all those other facial treatments I tried that simply didn't work. My practitioner was able to help me develop a sensible budget plan that suited my needs. Prices range from about £200 to £600 depending on individual needs.

However the RESTYLANE group of fillers from Q-med www.restylane.com ,offers unrivalled reliability and minimal associated problems for the patients in terms of adverse reactions.

The fillers are all temporary and last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on type used. There are issues with permanent fillers which make their choice one of difficulty, in that the face changes over time and so they may show through the skin and are more commonly associated with adverse effects