Collagen and other injectable wrinkle fillers give your skin a plumper, smoother appearance. Although collagen is the best-known filler, there are many other substances doctors can use to plump up your skin, including fat from your own body and synthetic materials.
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 upper-most 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?
In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and the skin remains moisturized and elastic. It springs back, no matter what our facial expressions are. And it stands up to everyday environmental exposure. But over time, the support structure weakens and the skin loses its elasticity. The skin begins to lose its tone as the collagen support wears down. Every time you smile, frown, or squint, you put stress on the collagen in your skin. The effect of these facial expressions adds up and facial lines begin to appear.
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