Collagen Injections in Washington DC
Collagen Injection Treatments
Collagen injections have long been used to smooth the development of facial lines and folds, including nasolabial folds running between the outside of the nose and mouth, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet at the outside corners of the eyes. This treatment is also useful for lip augmentation to create fuller lips.
As collagen breaks down during the natural aging process, lines, wrinkles and folds often appear. Replacing collagen through injection can make the skin appear more youthful and smooth.
Collagen Injection FAQs
1) Where does collagen come from?
Collagen can be harvested from different sources, such as bovine, porcine, or donated human tissues.
2) What are the steps of collagen injections?
No anesthetic is necessary prior to collagen injections since they typically contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that reduces pain. Injection sites for each treatment area are clearly marked on the face. The area is cleaned thoroughly with antiseptic and the proper amount of collagen is determined for each site. The collagen is then injected just beneath the surface of the skin.
3) Who is an ideal candidate for collagen injections?
Ideal collagen injection candidates should be in good overall mental and physical health and dissatisfied with the appearance of their facial lines. Some patients may not be good candidates for collagen injections, including those who are pregnant or nursing, have bovine or lidocaine allergies, or have a history of certain medical conditions like autoimmune diseases.
4) What happens after the procedure?
There may be some slight discomfort during the procedure that should subside quickly. Some bruising or swelling may occur and typically goes away in a few days. For most patients, normal activities can be resumed immediately. Though the treated area may sometimes appear overfilled at first, the effects should normalize in a few days. Results typically last anywhere from two to six months and may be repeated with additional treatments.
5) Are there any side effects?
There are very few potential complications associated with this procedure due to its minimally invasive nature. Complications could include asymmetry, skin pigmentation changes, infection, bleeding and changes in sensitivity.
Schedule your consultation with Belmont Plastic Surgery in Washington DC today