Collagen Injections in Northern VA
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, which creates 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 Injections 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, as they typically contain lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic and should greatly reduce 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 for each site is determined. 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 are in good overall mental and physical health, and are 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, such as autoimmune diseases.
4) What happens after the procedure?
There may be some slight discomfort during the procedure, which should subside quickly. Some bruising or swelling may occur, which typically resolves 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. Those that may occur include asymmetry, skin pigmentation changes, infection, bleeding and changes in sensitivity.
Schedule your consultation with Belmont Plastic Surgery in Northern VA today