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Collagen Injection
Dr. Cruise currently discontinued performing this procedure but please feel free to research the information provided below.
Overview
Many things
within the field of plastic surgery are changing. One of
the biggest changes is our understanding of what causes aging. First, we thought the process was mostly limited to skin and,
therefore, most of the procedures were skin rearrangement
procedures and tightening. Now, we know that aging actually
involves all layers of the soft tissue within the face. Dr. Cruise has talked extensively on how facial aging is actually
the result of fat loss and fat descent as well as muscle stretching.
Regarding collagen injection, what we
are mostly concerned about, in terms of facial aging, is fat
loss and fat descent as we get older. Where once we believed
that all wrinkles were caused from skin stretching. Now,
we know that many wrinkles as well as the general appearance
of aging are caused by the volume loss of fat underneath the
skin. Just like when you remove the volume (water) of a grape
you are left with a wrinkled raisin. By reinjecting volume,
i.e. collagen, many wrinkles can be eliminated or at least
reduced.
There are many different types of collagen
available to the plastic surgeon. Essentially, collagen is
purified skin protein obtained from animals and made into
an injectable form. While it is possible to have an allergic
reaction to these, transmission of all their diseases has
not been reported. The results can be very impressive, however,
because it is not human collagen the body treats it like a
foreign body and overtime reabsorbs it. Dr. Cruise has been
using some of the latest collagens available that have been
specially treated to delay reabsorbtion, still, eventually
it will go away.
If it goes away, then why is collagen injection so popular? The reason is because it has
many positive features. These are completely outlined in
the benefits section
but to describe it briefly, it is quick, almost painless,
quite effective, predictable, and relatively inexpensive.
One of the most popular uses of the injectable
collagen is lip augmentation. It does an excellent job of
creating an enlarged, sexy, and more pouty appearance. Best
of all, it can be adjusted to the size that the patient wants. Dr. Cruise will perform the injections and then have the patient
look at himself/herself in a mirror to determine if more is
necessary. This allows for a lot of fine-tuning.
Other areas were injectable collagen
is particularly useful are the wrinkles of the forehead, around
the eyes, and around the mouth. It has become a very popular
procedure. It is an excellent way to see if you like the
results. If you do, it is possible to have something more
permanent such as fat injection. These are all possibilities
you should discuss with Dr. Cruise during a consultation.
 Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding Collagen Injection
 Collagen injection is very useful for filling in wrinkles and depressed areas that need more volume. I find it particularly useful for lip augmentation and wrinkles around the forehead and eyes. I did not find it as useful as fat injection in creating more volume within the cheeks. I strongly encouraged you to look at the section on fat injection as it is able to fill in more volume and can last a lifetime. This is not to say that fat is better than collagen. Collagen injection is extremely useful, quick, relatively painless, and very effective.
When I perform collagen injection, I always have the patient look into a mirror to see if we have obtained the desired results. This is a huge benefit and gives the patient security in knowing that he/she is in control.
Collagen is not a permanent solution. It is safe and effective. The nice thing about collagen injection is it gives the patients an idea of what can be achieved. Then they have the option of continuing the injections approximately every 6 months or possibly turning to something more permanent.
Benefits
Many of the benefits of collagen injection
have been discussed above. Here is a summary:
- Fills in lines and wrinkles.
- Replaces lost or descended fat to
replace the volume once present in youth.
- Creates fuller, sexier lips.
- Eliminates or diminishes wrinkles
on the forehead, around the eyes, around the mouth, and
elsewhere.
- Can help diminish acne scars.
- Can help to fill in depressed scars.
- Is quick and almost painless.
- More of it can be added until the
desired results are achieved.
- It is safe.
Possible complications
The most common complication is inadequate augmentation of the desired area or incomplete removal of the wrinkle. This is markedly reduced as Dr. Cruise will have you look into a mirror to see if the desired result has been achieved at the time of injection. Other possible complications include too much augmentation, allergic reaction, lumpiness, infection, and skin changes. Dr. Cruise will explain these more in depth during your consultation.
Are
you a good candidate?
Aging is a
methodical and progressive process causing us to wrinkle and
to lose facial fat. Good candidates are simply people who
have suffered the effects of aging and subsequent wrinkling. All wrinkles should not be treated with collagen. These are
wrinkles that are caused mostly by muscle activity. These
types of wrinkles are more amenable to Botox®.
The typical patient who will benefit
from collagen injection is the person with wrinkles within
the forehead or around the eyes and mouth. These people have
fine wrinkles, laugh lines, and crow's feet. It is also useful
for filling in depressed scars as well as acne scars.
Although, most people over the age of
30 can be good candidates, certain people should not have
collagen injection. These include pregnant women and people
with allergies to collagen.
Prior to surgery
Because of the rather benign nature of
collagen injection and safety associated with it, there are
not too many things that you need to be concerned with prior
to injection. The only thing that is necessary prior to the
injection is allergies testing . This is dependent on the
type of collagen used and will be discussed during your consultation
with Dr. Cruise.
Anesthesia
Usually, no
anesthesia is necessary or at the most a numbing cream is
used at the injection site. This will numb the skin in about
30 to 40 minutes and will make the procedure almost painless.
After
the procedure
The procedure itself will take about
half an hour.
Immediately. Right after the injection you will be given a mirror and asked
if the results are acceptable or if more is needed. At this
point, that is about it. You can drive yourself home or back
to work. People will probably notice that something is different
but they may not be able to put their finger on it. It is
useful to ice the area down for about half hour after the
injection. This is recommended but not absolutely necessary.
The swelling will go down in about 3
to 4 days but even during this period of time it is not that
noticeable.
Recovery
time
The nice thing about collagen injection
is that there is no down time. You can go back to work immediately
and even drive yourself home. Your appearance the first day
may be swollen but it is certainly acceptable and should not
prevent you from doing your normal things.
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