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R.S.B. Dermatology, Inc. & Cosmetic Surgery Center
Robert S. Bader, M.D. Board Certified in Dermatology • Ivy League Trained Physician • Fellowship Trained in Cosmetic Surgery and Mohs' Surgery Official Dermatologist & Dermatologic Surgeon for the Florida Panthers NHL Hockey Team • Voted one of America's Best Dermatologists 2004-2006
Collagen |
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Collagen
treatment is a very popular method used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles,
and scars (including acne scars). There are two types of collagen used
today. The first type has been used for
several decades and is derived from a cow. The common types of cow-derived
collagen are: Zyderm I, Zyderm
II, and Zyplast.
More recently, human collagen has become widely available and is slightly more
expensive, although has less risk of allergy. The forms of human collagen used
are Cosmoderm I and Cosmoplast. How long does the collagen treatment last? Typically, the treatment will last two to six
months, although individual results will vary. Does the treatment hurt? The treatment consists of multiple tiny pinpricks.
For those who are afraid of needles, a topical numbing cream (Elamax-4 or LMX-4) to
minimize any discomfort. The numbing cream must be applied 1 to 2 hours
before treatment and is available without a prescription. Do I need to be tested for allergy? Bovine collagen is derived from a cow, from which
there is at least a 2% chance that you might be allergic to the collagen.
Therefore to minimize the risk of allergy in the treated area, a series of two
skin tests in the forearm are performed at two- to four-week intervals. People
who have a collagen vascular disease (such as lupus) may be more likely to be
allergic to bovine (cow) collagen. For those who wish to use the newer human collagen,
no skin testing is required as one cannot be allergic to human collagen. What if I am allergic to bovine (cow) collagen? If you test or become allergic to bovine collagen, an
alternative treatments such as human collagen or Restylane®
must be considered. How many treatments are needed? For many patients, results after one treatment
session will be adequate. Occasionally, a touch-up procedure may be needed in one-
to two-weeks following treatment to achieve optimal results. | |||||||
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