Collagen Treatment & Soft-Tissue Implants

Get Rid Of Your Wrinkles

Facial wrinkles and creases begin to appear as the underlying collagen and elastin fibers break down and wear out. While this breakdown is part of the natural aging process, it can also result from excessive squinting, frowning and smiling. Collagen Replacement Therapy is a program that treats the underlying problem. For fine wrinkles, collagen is injected to fill in and plump up delicate frown and smile lines, tiny creases that develop at the comers of the eyes, and above and below the lips. It can also help correct certain kinds of shallow scars. For deeper wrinkles, especially along the nasolabial areas (from the nasal flares to the corner of the mouth, above picture), permanent soft-tissue Gortex implants are used.

Skin Before       Skin After

What is Collagen Treatment?

Collagen is a natural substance derived from highly purified bovine (cow) collagen that is injected just beneath wrinkles and scars, where the body commonly accepts it as it's own. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and most people return to work the very same day. Treatment with collagen produces an immediately visible difference in the appearance of your skin. A consultation is required so you can discuss the areas you want treated and what to expect as the outcome with your Dermatologist, a medical doctor trained and board certified in skin care. A simple skin test is then performed where an injection in the arm is done to determine if you are sensitive to the collagen injection. You must watch the area carefully over a four-week period. About 97% of men and women tested show no reaction to the skin test and can be treated. A simple skin test is then performed where an injection in the arm is done to determine if you are sensitive to the collagen injection. You must watch the area carefully over a four-week period. About 97% of men and women tested show no reaction to the skin test and can be treated.

How many Treatments?

The results of treatment usually last from six to nine months. Just like natural collagen, injectable collagen eventually breaks down, so ongoing treatments are necessary to maintain the results you desire. If collagen treatment were stopped altogether, your body would simply reabsorb the injected collagen over time, and your face gradually returns to its natural contours.

What is Permanent Soft Tissue Augmentation

To correct deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines and give fuller lips, Gortex implants are used. This synthetic polymer material feels soft and natural, and is cut to appropriate sizes for placement underneath the wrinkles. The procedure provides a permanent, yet reversible, correction to facial lines. Goretex implants are the ideal long-term solution for deep furrows such as the nasolabial folds. This procedure is carried out under local anesthesia and patients should allow for 1-2 days of swelling and some mild bruising.