Collagen Injections: Natural Injection & Injectable Filler for Your Face

As we get older, we're all guilty of looking for that little skincare secret that can help rejuvenate our complexion and provide us with some wrinkle relief. From dermal fillers to Botox, anti-aging serums, and everything in between, there are thousands of products touted for their ability to leave you with youthful, plump skin. But, what about collagen injections?

Collagen injections do exactly what they say on the package. The process involves injecting collagen into the skin, with the goal of reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections.

But, do they really work? Our experts are here to tell you everything you need to know about collagen fillers.

What Are Collagen Injections & How Do Collagen Injections Work?

Before you can understand this form of collagen treatment, you first need to understand the skin. Our skin consists of 3 layers, the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis (or subcutaneous tissue, fat and connective tissue). The epidermis is our protective layer that ensures our skin remains moisturized. The dermis is where the natural protein collagen lies (collagen acts as our skin's support structure). And, the hypodermis protects our vital inner organs.

When we're young, our collagen framework is strong which is why our skin looks so plump and even. Unfortunately, as we get older, our epidermis thins, and the collagen in the skin ruptures. When the collagen support wears, the skin begins to show early signs of aging. The skin's natural collagen starts to dwindle, letting facial lines, skin wrinkles, and other imperfections through. Worse yet, our soft tissue and skin loses its elasticity and plumpness, leaving us with a lackluster and sagging complexion.

Collagen injections replenish this natural protein by replacing it directly under the skin's surface in the soft tissue. By supplementing your skin's natural collagen, you'll experience fewer fine lines and wrinkles.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen Injections?

Collagen injectable fillers are known for their ability to rejuvenate specific areas of the skin and reduce the visibility of skin depressions. Here, we explore some of the many benefits of these fillers:

This Collagen Treatment Can Plump the Skin

Injectable cosmetic fillers like these help plump the soft tissue by restoring your collagen stores and boosting collagen production. By doing so, the appearance of lines and wrinkles diminish, leaving the skin supple and plumper.

But, it's not just the skin that collagen injections can plump up!

You can also opt for this form of treatment on your lips too. While great as an anti-aging treatment, this procedure can increase the volume of your lips, leaving you with a pout that most women would die for!

Want more lip plumping tips? RenewSkin, Inc. shares its secrets to the perfect pour.

Collagen Injections Reduce the Appearance of Scars

Unfortunately, for those who suffered from acne in their teenage or adult years, acne scarring is a problem that tends to stick around. Luckily, this form of collagen treatment can help reduce the visibility of skin depressions and acne scars by reducing the dimple-like marks left on the skin. These soft tissue fillers work by targeting specific problem areas, reducing the visibility of acne scars, and leaving you with a smooth texture.

Does collagen help acne? RenewSkin, Inc gives you alternatives for reducing acne & acne scars.

These Facial Fillers Are Less Invasive Than Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery like facelifts take a long time to recover from and are extremely intrusive. If they're done badly, they can also leave you with some serious scarring and side effects. With this in mind, you may want to give collagen filler injections a shot as a first point of call.

This type of cosmetic treatment is injected directly into the skin surface, providing you with almost instantaneous results. You'll see a reduction in facial lines and frown lines, skin wrinkles, and acne scars, all while enjoying a more even skin tone and texture.

Candidates for Collagen & Dermal Fillers

So, you know that this form of treatment can leave you with young skin, but who is a good candidate for collagen injections?

Typically, women who want to go forward with collagen injection procedure are between 35 and 60 years old. Their primary goal is to reduce the early signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines while also restoring plumpness and evening out skin tone. Collagen fillers can also be used to reduce the visibility of scarring and add volume to the lips.

While older patients can opt for this form of cosmetic treatment, it is best for those with flexible skin. Areas that can be addressed with collagen injections include but are not limited to:

• Smile lines around the mouth and eyes (i.e. crow feet)
• Creases and lines on the forehead
• Wrinkles between the eyebrows
• Deepening of the nasolabial folds

Want to know how to get rid of forehead wrinkles? RenewSkin, Inc. explains here.

Are Collagen Injections Right for You?

If you're looking to plump your skin and reduce the early signs of aging then collagen injections may be the right form of treatment for you. As mentioned above, they're also a great alternative if you would like to add more volume to your facial features such as your lips.

However, as with all forms of cosmetic procedures, it's important that you understand what this treatment entails. It's also essential that you have realistic expectations. Collagen replacement therapy like this is designed to offer moderate anti-aging benefits. It is not a miracle cure and will not leave you looking 20 when you're actually in your 70s. It is not an antidote to aging.

Why Not Opt for a Less Invasive Approach to Injectable Fillers?

At Taut, we believe in taking the most natural, least intrusive road wherever possible which is why we created our Taut Advanced Liquid Collagen Formula.

Created using the highest quality marine collagen sourced from Red Snappers, wild-caught in the Indian Ocean, our formula contains a wealth of skin-loving ingredients to provide you with the best results possible. Each 8oz bottle contains hyaluronic acid (HA), elastin peptides, ceramide, vitamins B and C, and grape seed extract, all of which work synergistically to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out.

With just one bottle a day taken at night time for 21 days, you'll quickly notice fuller, firmer skin, an increase in your skin's elasticity and thickness, as well as increased hydration, suppleness, and radiance.

The Different Types of Collagen Fillers

While you already know that injectable collagen fillers can come from different sources, there are various brands making a name for themselves in the market. We highlight the most popular ones, their benefits, and their purpose below:

Bovine Collagen Injections Like Bellafill

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat various types of scarring, Bellafill is the only collagen injection that is available in the U.S. To reduce sensitivity during the procedure, Bellafill is made with lidocaine (an ingredient often used as local or topical anesthesia). It is also composed of beef collagen and microspheres. These microspheres stay in place under the skin's surface so that your body's natural collagen can use them as a structure that it can develop itself on.

Collagen Injections With Hyaluronic Acid

These injectable fillers are often packed with other skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C, a co-factor of collagen, and HA, which helps your skin retain moisture.

HA can carry up to 1,000 times its weight in water, allowing the skin to stay well hydrated and plump. Replenishing the skin with hyaluronic acid fillers can help the collagen injection combat the early signs of aging further, leaving you with a plump, moist, and radiant complexion.

Plump Your Skin From Within With a Hyaluronic Acid Supplement

You don't have to opt for injectable fillers to enjoy the full benefits of HA!

Made with the highest quality plant-based HA and grape seed extract, our Taut Hydrate formula is a moisture magnet that will leave you looking and feeling your best in no time.

Using a proprietary fermentation method, our HA supplement is unmatched in terms of purity. Moreover, it has a low molecular weight, making it easier for the body to absorb and use to its full advantages. Designed to improve fullness, firmness, and smoothness, our formula goes beyond the skin, also working its way to the joints, providing you with enhanced mobility and less joint pain.

Check out the best hyaluronic acid capsules by RenewSkin Inc. here.

Collagen Stimulators Like Sculptra Aesthetic

While not a collagen filler, Sculptra Aesthetic is a poly-L-lactic injectable that acts as a collagen stimulator. Rather than directly boosting your collagen stores, these injectable fillers stimulate your body's natural collagen production. Over time, as your collagen production increases, you'll notice plumper, more youthful skin.

Results vary between individuals but most people require multiple injections over the space of 3 to 4 months. This depends entirely on your age and the collagen loss you have experienced.

Dermalogen

Dermalogen is a form of collagen taken from human donors. The natural protein is sterilized and processed to ensure it is of the highest quality. By opting for human collagen, you're reducing the risk of allergic reactions, and the treatment time is lowered as no skin test is necessary prior to the cosmetic procedure. Typically, individual Dermalogen treatments cost anywhere between $500 and $1000, however, this price will vary depending on your location and the plastic surgeons' practice you choose to go to.

Isolagen

Similar to Dermalogen, Isolagen is derived from the human body. The key difference is that instead of coming from a donor, it is made by cloning your own collagen cells. The process involves removing your own collagen-making cells from behind your ears, cloning them, and reinjecting them into areas of your dermis that you would like to treat.

Because the collagen is essentially your own, it also requires no skin test to perform the procedure. As the process is more complex, this form of treatment is more expensive, costing between $1000 and $1500 per session. This price may vary depending on the plastic surgeons' office that you go to.

Autologen

If you're going in for an operation, why not ask your surgeon to harvest collagen from a part of your skin?

During an operation, your doctor will harvest your skin. This will be sent to a lab where the collagen will be extracted and liquified. During your collagen injection sessions, your skincare professional will then reinject the liquid form into the dermis of your face, plumping your skin.

This form of treatment is particularly popular among women wanting to add volume to their lips. This alternative lasts longer than bovine collagen and is less likely to cause any allergic reactions. Sessions typically range from $800 to $1000 depending on the plastic surgeons' office that you go to.

What You Can Expect During Your Treatment

Treatments vary depending on the type of collagen filler injections you go for. Treatments can take anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes and are relatively straightforward. As with all cosmetic procedures, there is a preparation phase and a post-treatment protocol to follow. Here's a breakdown of each.

Preparation

If you and your doctor decide injections are your best course of action, they may undertake a skin test to be sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the formula. During this process, the doctor will inject a small amount of your chosen product into an area of your body. You'll then be asked to go home to monitor this area closely for a week. Assuming you do not experience any form of allergic reaction, your doctor will be able to inject collagen into your skin during your next consultation.

On the Day of the Procedure

The number of collagen injections your receive on the day of the procedure will depend on your individual preferences and the substance injected. Usually, you should receive 1 to 2 injections to each area you're looking to treat.

These types of injectable fillers can be uncomfortable for some, especially when more than 2 injections are made in sensitive areas such as the lips. In this case, your doctor may inject local or topical anesthesia to the area in question. Your cosmetic procedure should take less than an hour, meaning you could even pop out for your lunch break if you wanted to!

Post Treatment

Once your treatment is complete, you should be able to resume your daily activities without going overboard. I.e. it's not advised to go for a run or undertake any form of strenuous exercise minutes after your procedure. You may notice slight bruising or puffiness at the injection site but this is completely normal and will only last 1 to 3 days.

How Long Will Your Collagen Treatment Last & How Many Collagen Treatments Will You Need?

For best results, you may require collagen injections 3 to 4 times over the space of 3 to 4 months. However, Individual results vary depending on age, collagen loss, the area being treated, your reaction to the treatment, and the doctor who performed the procedure. Typically, collagen replacements begin to dwindle within 6 months so you can expect to need a top-up within 6 months to a year of your first treatment.

It's worth noting that, over time, you will experience further collagen loss which will mean you will require additional collagen face injections to maintain the aesthetic results obtained during your first procedure.

Potential Side Effects of Collagen Fillers

As with all cosmetic procedures, collagen injectable fillers come with their own set of risks and side effects. While these are normally mild, some people may experience adverse effects that can be more serious. Potential side effects and complications of this form of collagen treatment include:

• Bruising and tenderness
• Puffiness and swelling
• Peeling of the skin
• Scarring at the injection site
• Open sores
• Bacterial infections
• Itching
• An adverse reaction to the anesthesia Lidocaine
• An allergic reaction to the collagen itself (This is more common among those opting for bovine collagen fillers)

If you experience any prolonged side effects, it is extremely important that you consult with your physician.

Alternatives to Collagen Injections

Here are some alternatives to collagen facial injections that you may find appealing:

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements come in all shapes and sizes. From liquids to powders, and even capsules, the industry is flooded with different products. But the key is to choose a supplement that comes from a good source and that offers you a wealth of hydrolyzed collagen peptides.

In Comes Taut Premium Collagen Powder...

Perfect for those of you that are always on the go, each one of our Premium Collagen Peptides Powder sachets offers a 1,500mg dose of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides combined with hyaluronic acid, and grape seed extract to support your skin.

Easy to take and absolutely delicious, this collagen powder dissolves directly onto your tongue, thus going straight into your bloodstream to work its magic. By taking just 2 to 3 sachets a day, you'll enjoy a youthful appearance while also noticing stronger hair and nails.

Collagen Creams

Collagen creams work topically, making their way into your dermis via your pores. These types of creams primarily slow down water loss by hydrating and plumping the skin, filling in fine lines and wrinkles over time. When choosing a collagen cream, it's important to opt for a brand with high collagen content for best results.

Looking for the best moisturizer for your face? Check out this article!

Injectable Fat

Fat injections, also known as microlipoinjections, involve using your personal fat reserves from one part of your body and recycling them by injecting them into your face.

While this form of treatment can be used as an anti-aging solution, it is most commonly used on sun-damaged skin, scarring, and to reduce aging on the hands. Because the treatment involves using your own fat, you are less likely to experience an allergic reaction.

Dermal Fillers & Botox

Dermal fillers and Botox are two different forms of injectables. After years of laughing, smiling, and frowning, facial lines begin to appear. Botox paralyzes the facial muscles to prevent lines from forming on the face. On the other hand, injectable fillers work like wrinkle filler. Both treatment options are extremely popular in the U.S. today, however, they tend to not last as long as collagen injections.

How long does Botox last? Find out here!

Take a More Natural Approach to Reduce the Signs of Aging With Taut

If you're not ready to turn to wrinkle filler of any kind to plump and tone your skin, we may have just what you need!

Our Ultimate Transformation Program combines the powers of high-quality, potent marine collagen with hyaluronic acid and topical masks to provide you with an anti-aging trifecta.

Made with the highest quality, marine-sourced collagen, the program provides 3 boxes of our Advanced Liquid Collagen drink which offers 13,000mg of collagen peptides in each 8oz bottle as well as ceramide, vitamin B, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and grape seed extract.

You'll also enjoy a month's supply of our Taut Hydrate, a potent vegan hyaluronic acid supplement that targets the skin and joints from the inside out, providing you with red carpet radiance in just 3 weeks.

Last but not least, the program includes a box of 5 Collagen Masks, formulated to target dull, sagging skin in order to tone and brighten your complexion.

Want to give injection collagen a miss and opt for a less intrusive approach? Check out our auto-subscription service today and we'll make sure you never miss out on your favorite rejuvenating products!

More helpful reading:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/aesthetic-cosmetic-devices/fda-approved-dermal-fillers