Introduction to collagen stimulators
As our skin ages, the natural loss of collagen leads to thinner and structurally weakened skin. In the face, the result can be a loss of volume and the development of facial depressions. Collagen stimulators may help with adding volume to depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions. They are used to renew skin thickness and firmness and to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. As with any aesthetic treatment, the decision to use collagen stimulator injections should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Why collagen stimulators?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and can be found in our bones, muscles, skin and tendons. As we age, the production of collagen in our bodies decreases. Over time, this leads to loose and saggy skin and the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Collagen stimulators are aesthetic treatments used to increase skin volume by activating the skin’s ability to produce collagen, restoring the skin’s structure and renewing firmness.
TREATMENT AREAS
Collagen stimulator injections are used to bring volume and firmness to areas of the face that have become loose and saggy. Suitable treatment areas may include hollow cheeks or temples, nasolabial folds or ‘smile lines’ (the lines running between the mouth and the chin), and 'marionette lines' (the lines running from the mouth to the chin).
The treatment
Injectable collagen stimulators are medical devices classified for professional use only which must be administered by qualified healthcare practitioners only.
Collagen stimulators are typically injected in the deep layers of the skin to stimulate its own collagen production. Three treatment sessions are typically recommended over the course of a few months. Depending on the product used, the area injected, and the patient involved, results may last for more than two years.
Immediately after each treatment session, patients may experience a degree of swelling which will temporarily reduce wrinkles and folds. The gradual process of collagen replacement then starts. Results will be gradually seen over a few months. Collagen stimulators tend to work subtly, gradually renewing your skin thickness and firmness and correcting shallow to deep wrinkles and folds.
As with all medicines, collagen stimulators can cause side effects. Your registered healthcare practitioner should inform you of these potential risks, as well as any side effects and contraindications prior to treatment. You should also ask to see the Patient Information leaflet and Aftercare brochure provided to practitioners. Please note that the information on this website does not in any way replace the professional advice of the treating healthcare practitioner.
The science behind
Collagen stimulators contain a biodegradable substance that, when injected in the deeper layers of the skin, helps stimulate the skin’s own natural collagen production. The skin’s inner structure is improved.
Collagen stimulators increase skin volume and firmness and reduce shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. The below gallery shows examples of how patients appeared before and after treatment with collagen stimulator injections.
Before & After
- Collagen stimulator: cheeks, smile lines and chin.
- Individual results may vary.
- Collagen stimulator: cheeks, smile lines and chin.
- Individual results may vary.
FAQs
Will the treatment be painful?
As with any injection, some pain at the treatment site is possible, but your healthcare practitioner may use a topical anaesthetic to ease any discomfort.
How soon will I see results?
Collagen stimulators produce gradual results. Immediately after each treatment session, patients may experience a degree of swelling which will temporarily reduce wrinkles and folds. A few days after treatment, you may look as you did before treatment. This is normal and temporary. The gradual process of collagen replacement then starts. Collagen stimulators are usually delivered as part of a regime of treatments over the course of a few months.
What should I apply or avoid after treatment?
In the days following your treatment, keep a few things in mind for swift healing and optimized results:
Cold pack: A cold pack or ice pack will help reduce any swelling. Within the first 24 hours of treatment, apply a cloth-wrapped cold pack to the treated area for a few minutes at a time. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
Facial massage: Massage the treated area for 5 minutes 5 times a day for 5 days after treatment, as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.
Avoid sunlight: After treatment, excessive sunlight and UV lamp exposure should be avoided until any initial swelling and redness go away. Your healthcare practitioner will provide guidelines on sunscreen protection and how to avoid excessive sunlight.
How soon after treatment can I wear make-up?
If there are no complications, you may apply make-up several hours after treatment. Be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner after treatment.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects from collagen stimulator treatments include pain at the treatment area, redness, bruising, tenderness, itching and lumps, bleeding or swelling. Small bumps in the deeper layers of the skin can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported. Common side effects usually resolve spontaneously within 2 -7 days. Other more serious side effects can occur. If you are experiencing side effects, talk to your healthcare practitioner.
Who should not have a treatment with collagen stimulators?
Collagen stimulators for aesthetic use are typically intended for use in people with healthy immune systems as a single regimen for the correction of shallow to deep nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. You should not receive treatment if you have an active skin infection or skin inflammation near the planned injection site.
Collagen stimulators should not be used by people that are allergic to any ingredient of the product or have a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring. Safety has not been established in patients who are pregnant, lactating, breastfeeding or under 18 years of age.
Skin insights
Other treatment options
Aesthetic science provides a range of treatments to help individuals address skin ageing and facial imbalances, as well as to create unique looks. A variety of dermal fillers allow aesthetic practitioners to refine facial features and to fill lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile anti-wrinkle injections, skin hydration boosters and collagen stimulators may be used to address the signs of skin and facial ageing.
RELAX
Anti-wrinkle injections may be used to relax the muscles of the face and reduce the prominence of lines and wrinkles.
REFINE
Dermal fillers may be used to refine facial features by lifting and shaping contours, filling lines and wrinkles, and creating volume.
REFRESH
Skin hydration boosters may be used to refresh the skin from within, increasing skin hydration, improving elasticity, and reducing fine lines.