Benefits and Side Effects of Collagen Injections

Do you want to start your day with a fresh face, a face free from fine lines and wrinkles? Collagen injections may be the solution you seek. They promise to give your skin a more youthful texture and tone, reversing the process of skin aging.

But before you fix a date with any doctor, it is crucial to look at collagen injection side effects and benefits. Are collagen injections worth it? Are they what you have been seeking? Here’s what to note.

What Are Collagen Injections?

Collagen is a protein that makes up skin, bone, tendon, and cartilage among other body tissues. This protein is produced at a slower rate over time, making the skin lose elasticity, droop and wrinkle.

The injections restores the lost protein and revitalizes the skin. These injections solve most skin issues. Most commonly they have been employed in lip fillers, skin scar correction and cheek enhancement.

Other options are available including lip fillers and the like; however, what makes collagen injections so valuable is collagen. It is also ideal for achieving slow and sustainable successful results.

And how much is lip filler compared to collagen injections? We will look at that and much more as we dig deeper into this revolutionary therapy.

What are the Benefits of Collagen Injections?

There are many benefits associated with collagen injections. Below are ten detailed collagen injection benefits:

1. Skin rejuvenation

Collagen injections make the skin appear younger because collagen tightens and firms up the skin surface, getting rid of wrinkles.

With age, the human body produces lesser collagen and, as a result, the skin becomes less rigid and tends to sag. Injections of collagen help to restore this vital protein, rebuilding the skin's resilience and structural integrity.

According to Dermatology Times, collagen injections can decrease visible signs of skin aging by 6.3% in three months. This astounding figure demonstrates how well collagen works to restore skin health.

Within weeks after therapy, patients frequently observe a decrease in wrinkles and fine lines as well as an overall improvement in texture.

2. Treating wrinkles and fine lines

As one grows older, skin loses elasticity and facial muscles relax which results in formation of wrinkles and fine lines.  However, this can be prevented by the use of collagen injections. Collagen injections eradicate wrinkles since it fills up the skin creases to give a young-looking skin.

While some dermal fillers create an artificial appearance of the face, collagen injections are natural and can easily mix with the skin.

In comparison to other dermal fillers, collagen is cheaper. This makes it much more suitable for those who wish to save money.

3. Versatility

This is why the applicability of collagen injections has been highly rated. If you want to get fuller lips or if you have acne scars you want to minimize, this treatment is perfect for you. In addition, collagen works to treat both fine and deep set lines, making other supplementary treatments unnecessary.

4. Confidence boost

When you improve your appearance, the changes deeply affect your character. Collagen injections enable you to gain confidence to make more decisions.

These changes: whether it’s volume loss, fine lines, or scars can help you feel more comfortable in your own skin. This benefits your social and working interactions.

5. Cost-effectiveness

Collagen injections cost less than high-end dermal fillers, making them affordable by many. While nowadays the injections of HA (Hyaluronic) fillers often cost $1000+ per session, collagen treatment costs $350 – $800. It should be considered as one of the best for individuals seeking treatments that will be rather cheap, yet effective.

6. Natural results

Since collagen is a peptide that is synthesised in the body naturally, it produces effects that are natural. Collagen injections do not make the skin look fake like some other wrinkle treatments that tend to leave the skin looking overinflated.

7. Quick recovery time

Of all the aesthetic procedures out there, collagen injections rank among the most popular as the treatment is more or less pain-free. Such treatments can even let the patient go on with the usual activities after the procedure is done. This convenience makes collagen injections frequently sought after by numerous and busy customers.

8. Scar reduction

Since collagen has the unique property of rebuilding damaged tissue, it is useful in minimizing acne scars. Collagen also demonstrates its effectiveness by rebuilding texture, making scarred skin look refreshed.

9. Enhancing cheeks

Collagen injections are not very invasive and can provide a natural-looking fill for certain areas on the face, such as the cheeks. This technique enhances volume with little to no chance of creating unnatural or overdone looks.

10. Boosting hydration

Collagen injections enhance skin moisture by drawing water into the tissues around the injection site. This renews skin, giving it a youthful shine.

Collagen Injection Side Effects

As with any treatment, collagen injections have drawbacks too. Below are ten collagen injection side effects to be aware of:

1. Injection site reactions

Local reactions at the administration site are among the earliest side effects of collagen injection. The reactions include redness, oedema, tenderness and mild bruising after filler injections. They are normal reactions and should not cause worry. They usually resolve with time.

These reactions can be minimized through proper injection technique during administration and adhering to post-procedure measures.

2. Discolouration

Another early complication connected with collagen injections is discoloration or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It results from random blood vessel trauma during injection, bleeding and accumulating blood in the subcutaneous tissue.

This can result in a visible bluish or purplish hue that takes a few days to weeks to disappear. Those with a pale skin tone or thin skin are likely to experience this.

Patients are discouraged from consuming alcohol or taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 48 hours before the treatment to prevent discoloration. The good thing is discolouration is a temporary condition that will naturally resolve after some time.

3. Maldistribution

Maldistribution is when the collagen is distributed disproportionately in the skin leading to the formation of bumps or lumps. This is cosmetically unpleasing and may be corrected through massages or by injecting more collagen into the uneven areas.

You’ll notice maldistribution right after the procedure or weeks into the recovery period. Maldistribution is largely avoided when an experienced practitioner handles the procedure because they understand facial anatomy and injection processes better.

4. Infection

Infection is a rare side effect of collagen injections. It occurs when bacteria infiltrate the treated area during or after the procedure. The signs of infection are redness, warmth, inflammation, pain, pus, or fever.

Infection may result from unsanitary techniques, contaminated filler material, or poor follow-up care. In case of an infection, one needs antibiotics to avoid the spread of the infection and other complications. Sometimes, infections may be due to biofilms, which contain bacteria that can continue to cause ongoing problems.

5. Skin necrosis

Skin necrosis is a rare complication that occurs due to poor blood supply to a particular tissue. This occurs when a practitioner accidentally injects filler into a blood vessel, blocking it. Sometimes, injecting filler too close to a blood vessel may press against it, reducing blood supply to surrounding tissue.

When skin necrosis starts to manifest, the affected area turns pale or white, is excruciatingly painful and may form black patches.

If the situation is left untreated, necrosis can prove catastrophic and cause severe skin damage and the formation of scars. Treatment includes dissolving the filler to normalize blood flow.

6. Vision loss

Blindness is a very rare but severe side effect of collagen injections. It happens when a filler material accidentally gets into a blood vessel that supplies the eyes. This may obstruct blood flow to vital tissues of the eyes, resulting in varying degrees of blindness. Signs of this complication are changes in vision, pain, or even discolouration around the injected site.

Possible treatments include hyaluronidase for hyaluronic acid fillers, anticoagulants, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The result depends on how soon these procedures were administered.

7. Granuloma formation

Granulomas are relatively late effects of collagen that may manifest weeks, months or years after collagen injection. They are hard, raised nodules which develop as the body attempts to assimilate the injected material.

Granulomas are occasionally asymptomatic. Nevertheless, they can clinically be unpleasant and troublesome. The treatments are injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, surgical excision for severe cases, or using drugs to melt the filler.

8. Foreign body reactions

Foreign body reactions are caused by the immune system recognizing the injected collagen as a foreign substance and attacking it. This may result in the formation of lumps, swelling, or prolonged inflammation of the tissues at the place of injection.

Though such reactions are uncommon, they could last for many months, and one might need the help of a doctor. Treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or surgical removal of the inflamed tissue.

The chances of a foreign body reaction may however be minimized by undergoing a patch test before this procedure is done and using collagen products that have been purified. If you have any known allergies or sensitivities, inform your practitioner to reduce this risk.

9. Tuberculosis and other atypical mycobacterial infections

Infections by atypical mycobacteria are rare complications of collagen injections. These bacteria are also challenging to eliminate since they can fix themselves on the surfaces of various organs to form biofilms.

The bacteria can cause the formation of nodules, skin redness, and swelling within the injection site. The diagnosis may involve a biopsy and culture to determine the type of bacteria.

Treatment typically involves a long course of antibiotics. To avoid atypical mycobacteria infections, appropriate precautions during the procedure, including strict adherence to aseptic principles must be observed and equipment used must be properly sterilized. Promptly inform your healthcare provider in case you notice any signs of infection.

10. Biofilm formation

Biofilms are bacterial collections that attach to a solid surface and encase themselves in a layer that allows them to become relatively impervious to antibiotic use. Biofilm formation may give rise to chronic infections or inflammation.

Sometimes, symptoms can be mild like prolonged redness, or swelling. In other instances, the signs and symptoms may escalate. Fighting biofilms may involve surgical removal of the infected tissue.

How to Minimize Collagen Injection Side Effects

In summary, here are 4 ways that will help you minimize collagen injection side effects before they become a nuisance:

1. Select a competent professional

First, it is crucial to verify the licensure and expertise of a practitioner. Only a trained specialist will be able to resolve side effects in a way that reduces further risks and side effects.

2. Pre-treatment guidelines

As suggested by your practitioner, abstain from using blood-thinning drugs and disclose all medical history details.

3. Post-treatment care

Collagen injection side effects can be minimized by following all post-treatment care instructions which include avoiding touching, alcohol, heavy exercise, salty foods, certain medications, heat and cold.

4. Know when to seek help

If you develop any serious collagen injection side effects including symptoms of acute inflammation or infection, please contact your doctor. Communicate promptly to avoid further complications.

Conclusion

The advantages of collagen injections range from smoother younger-looking skin to a boost in self-esteem. But like any other procedure, they are not without their risks including allergic reactions or skin irritation and unevenly distributed collagen.

If you are looking into collagen injections, trying to figure out how much lip filler costs, or simply searching for dermal fillers, it is wise to speak to a specialist. Beauty is a process and collagen injections may just be the answer to your dream look.

Transform Your Look to Your Most Beautiful Self with Diaminy

We produce collagen fillers that guarantee to make you look good without compromising your safety.

If you’re aiming at smoother skin, fuller lips or if you want to renew your skin, then Diaminy is the place for you.

Schedule your consultation with us today and work towards a new you!