Building Collagen Sherman Oaks
Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the skin healthy, firm, and youthful. This component provides vital support, strength, and sometimes elasticity, to a variety of tissues, including our skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissue.
What is Collagen Stimulation?
As we age, our natural collagen production drops, resulting in a gradual loss of skin thickness, fine lines, and wrinkles. At Cosmetic Injectables Center, we provide skin rejuvenation procedures that stimulate the body’s natural collagen synthesis through micro-cuts through procedures such as Microneedling, peels such as ViPeel, Injection of products such as Sculptra, heat from radiofrequency treatments – Viora such as Morpheus 8, Emsculpt neo, and controlled irritation in the skin through lasers, and threads. These procedures stimulate a healing response which can increase collagen. We can also inject these naturally derived healing proteins and growth factors directly under the skin by retrieving them from a person’s blood (ie PRP, PRF, and EZ Gel) resulting in a firmer, smoother, and more moisturized skin.
Collagen Treatments Benefits
Collagen stimulation is a slow process because the collagen is NOT injected. It has to be produced by your own skin. The modalities mentioned in this page treat signs of already aged skin by helping to “wake up” the cells and produce collagen. Some other benefits of the collagen stimulation include:
- Skin Elasticity: Collagen stimulation procedures usually go hand in hand with elastin induction that makes the skin firmer by increasing its elasticity.
- Wrinkle Reduction: The procedures aid in minimizing the skin’s appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Improved Skin Hydration: Collagen stimulation leads to improved skin hydration, which leaves the face looking smoother and more glowing.
- Minimized Visible Aging Signs: By promoting collagen production, the treatments aid in reducing visible signs of aging such as sagging skin and dullness
- Improved Blood Flow: The procedures can increase blood flow, promoting a healthier appearance and more glowing skin.
Collagen Treatments Cost & Pricing Structure
Personalized treatment plans and the severity of treatment areas determine the pricing structure of the collagen injection.
- US National Average: $100-$3,000 depending on the type of modality used, amount, and number of treatments.
- Our Price: Our prices are very competitive. Please call for a consultation so our providers can assess and make recommendations, to be able to determine price;
- Additional Costs: There are no additional costs, as no taxes are due on medical procedures.
- Insurance: Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures. We offer a variety of payment options such as Patient Fi Care Credit for your convenience.
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Collagen Production Process
Procedures that result in the induction of collagen are usually administered by our healthcare practitioners. Depending on the modality, different types of numbing agents may be used to make the procedure comfortable. This includes numbing creams, injection of numbing agents, or even laughing gas!
For Sculptra injections, skin can be numbed using numbing cream, but numbing agents are also mixed into the filler agent to ensure comfort. Sculptra is then injected under the skin using a needle to promote collagen production over the following 6 weeks.
Threads work similarly in that the skin is numbed, and the thread is inserted under the skin using a smooth in-and-out motion of a needle (one needle insertion to deliver 1-3 threads).
For Morpheus 8, skin is topically numbed with cream for 1 hour, after which the device stamps the skin with a group of needles, delivering heat (radiofrequency) under the skin, and coming out all in about one second. This stamping process repeats to cover the entire surface of targeted areas. If a patient requests further numbing, our team can inject a numbing agent, or use laughing gas for extra comfort.
Microneedling is the same process as Morpheus 8 without the radiofrequency.
PRP/PRF/EZ gel consists of a blood draw from a vein using small butterfly needles. Your provider will then spin the tube to separate the red part of the blood from the yellow healing proteins. A syringe is then used to extract the yellow liquid gold from the tube. After that, the syringe is injected under the skin to stimulate collagen production and other beneficial results.
Emsculpt Neo delivers the radiofrequency through a pad, while Viora delivers it through a handset. Both do not puncture the skin as they are designed to promote collagen production without any needle pokes.
Lasers use the same mechanism as Viora and Emsculpt Neo, but with the use of lasers. The handpiece is directed at the skin, and a pulse of laser is exposed which feels like the snapping of a rubberband if numbing cream isn’t used.
At Cosmetic Injectables Center, we offer complimentary numbing solutions for everyone!
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Collagen Procedures
At Cosmetic Injectables Center, we offer a variety of procedures that stimulate collagen production and rebuild the collagen. It is important to keep in mind that these procedures work best at PREVENTING collagen depletion. Here are the most common medically approved modalities:
- NovaThreads: Your skin responds to the sutures gently after NovaThreads are placed, triggering a “selective inflammatory response” that strengthens and produces collagen. Within four to six months post-procedure, your skin will completely absorb the NovaThread, leaving behind new collagen.
- Microneedling: Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure used to boost elastin and collagen production by using tiny sterilized needles to make micro-cuts in the skin.
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma): PRP is a procedure where the injected liquid is plasma with a high platelet concentration. By isolating and injecting this “liquid gold,” we can bypass the need for cellular damage to call over healing proteins that improve our skin for their anti-aging and other beneficial effects directly. Since it’s derived from your own body, PRP is one of the most natural ways to stimulate new and healthy cell growth and induce collagen production.
- PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin): To promote cell growth in the affected area and produce thicker, healthier skin, platelets in the PRF treatment call upon magical healing proteins including growth factors, collagen synthesis, and stem cells. The fibrin-rich liquid keeps the beneficial proteins around longer, leading to more benefits.
- EZ Gel: Very similar to PRF, but the heated portion of the plasma keeps the proteins around even longer than the fibrins in PRF, so the beneficial properties can work for a longer period.
Collagen Depletion Causes
As we previously mentioned, collagen is a vital protein for skin elasticity and joint health, and it can be depleted due to various factors. Here are some key causes:
- Smoking: It is well known that smoking reduces the formation of collagen, which leads to wrinkles;
- High Sugar and Refined Carbs Intake: Consuming too much sugar causes glycation, which results in the production of AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products), which can damage collagen production.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure: Excessive UV radiation, primarily from sunlight, is a major cause of collagen loss, which has an impact on skin health.
- Aging: Collagen depletion is a natural part of the aging process, resulting in signs like wrinkled skin and stiff joints.
- Inadequate Protein Consumption: Sufficient protein consumption is necessary for the formation of collagen, and insufficient amounts of collagen or calories in general (such as with aggressive dieting) can speed up the breakdown of collagen and impact skin health overall.
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Collagen Treatments FAQs
What are collagen injections?
Collagen injections are injections that stimulate your own cells to produce collagen, which is a slow process but comes out more even (if done correctly). Increasing collagen is a great compliment to hyaluronic acids to improve or maintain skin firmness and texture.
How do I increase my collagen?
Collagen stimulation occurs with trauma in the form of physical (blunt traumas, pokes, and cuts such as microneedling), heat (radiofrequency and lasers), and irritation (foreign body, Sculptra, threads, Radiesse, ..)
What is the average cost of collagen injections?
There is a variety of different collagen stimulating injections. Sculptra ranges in cost between $800-$1,000 per vial. Radiesse is about $750-$950 per syringe. PRP and PRF are about $600-$1000 per treatment. Microneedling can also stimulate collagen and costs about $500-$900 per session. The prices in our office are competitive. Please call for the most recent specials.
What stimulates collagen the most?
Procedures like Sculptra, Morpheus 8, Microneedling, and PDO threads are great at stimulating collagen. Other modalities include lasers, PRP, PRF, EZ gel, Hyperdilute Radiesse; and radiofrequency.
Can collagen injections go wrong?
Yes, if collagen-stimulating injections are done incorrectly, many things can go wrong. This includes long-term lumps and bumps or an overinjected appearance that cannot be instantly reversed. For this reason, we recommend either using reversible filler agents such as hyaluronic acids or going to an experienced provider in collagen-stimulating injectable procedures.
What are the symptoms of lack of collagen?
In the skin, lack of collagen causes it to appear more droopy, lax, and wrinkled. There are many other implications of collagen loss in other parts of the body.
Can you reverse collagen damage?
Yes, but up to a point. Collagen production can be stimulated in the skin with devices such as Morpheus 8, microneedling, threads, and lasers.
How long does it take to rebuild collagen naturally?
The process of rebuilding collagen naturally takes 3 to 12 weeks depending on the modality used. The results can last up to two years, depending on the area(s) treated and the collagen-rebuilding process used.
What are the first signs that collagen is working?
Reduction of fine lines and thickening of the skin show signs of collagen stimulation working. The growth of muscles from exercise is also a sign that collagen proteins are working.
Can you build collagen after 50?
Yes, collagen can be stimulated and produced from our fibroblast cells after the age of 50. We recommend Sculptra (collagen, stimulating filler) up to the age of 65 for good results and even beyond 65 for at least some results. The amount of collagen produced will probably be less than in younger ages, but it is better to have some enhancement than none.
How do you know when collagen is working?
Within three months post-procedure, you are supposed to see the skin benefits. Your skin should become more glowing, tighter, and stronger. The hair follicles (treated in the scalp with PRP, PRF, EZ Gel, and/or microneedling), additionally, can appear stronger.
How long does it take for collagen to make a difference?
In general, patients feel the difference after 3 to 12 weeks post-procedure. However, many factors play a role in collagen synthesis stimulation including the patient’s history, lifestyle, and diet.
Are collagen injections FDA approved?
Collagen-stimulating injections such as Sculptra and Radiesse are FDA-approved and considered relatively safe for injection. However, direct bovine-derived collagen is no longer available in the USA due to the inferior results.
Do collagen injections hurt?
Collagen-stimulating injections can be mixed with numbing agents (called lidocaine) so that pain is minimal. At our office, we have many pain-reducing modalities to help our patients with their comfort during the procedures. While topical numbing agents are available free of charge, we can also inject numbing locally or block an entire area by temporarily numbing the nerve. Zimmer is an ultra-cold air delivery system that we can also use to make our procedures more comfortable, along with extra small or blunt tip needles. Please call us for more information or a free consultation!
How does the body produce collagen naturally?
The process of collagen production starts in the cells where procollagen goes through different compartments like ER (endoplasmic reticulum), and GB (Golgi Body). When it leaves the cell, peptide chains are cleaved, and the collagen is formed.
What is the recovery time for collagen injections?
For immediate and temporary side effects (i.e., bruising or lumps and bumps) to go away, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks. For complete results to be achieved after injection, it takes about six weeks.
Can collagen cause weight gain?
Collagen supplements are made up of immune acids, which are building blocks of protein. So yes, some proteins can be broken down as a source of calories, which can intern cause weight gain if ingested in excessive amounts.
What are Zyderm and Zyplast?
These are direct bovine-derived collagen molecules that would get injected under the skin for enhancement of appearance in the 1980s and 1990s. These modalities were discontinued in the USA after the advent of hyaluronic acids, which have a better safety profile (less risk of allergies), fewer issues with lumping and nodules, and also have a reversal agent that can immediately dissolve the hyaluronic acid.
Can you get collagen injections under your eyes?
Collagen-stimulating injections work great in the cheeks, chin, and close to the ears, but are not good for the undereye and mouth area. These two regions have circular muscles underneath which are more likely to pull on the collagen-stimulating powder particles and cause lumps and bumps from the friction.
What age should you get collagen injections?
Collagen-stimulating injections and procedures can start at 18 years of age, but we recommend late 20s (unless there’s a specific issue to address). Small regular doses (prevention) are better than waiting for extreme collagen depletion and trying to reverse signs of aging. This way, you prevent wrinkles, lines, and drooping of skin rather than trying to undo them.
How do you take collagen effectively?
If you decide to take collagen supplements, the best way is on an empty stomach when stomach enzymes are minimal and the absorption of collagen molecules may be more likely. However, nowadays, there are collagen stimulation procedures that can boost synthesis of collagen more effectively than taking supplements which usually get broken down in the stomach.
What are the side effects of collagen injections?
If done incorrectly, side effects of collagen-stimulating injections include long-term lumps and bumps, asymmetry, or over filled appearance without a modality for immediate removal or correction. Direct bovine collagen injections (Zyderm and Zyplast) were even more risky for lumps and bumps and hence got discontinued in the USA. Instead, hyaluronic acids became popular which are smoother and instantly reversible.
Are collagen injections worth it?
While direct bovine collagen injection is no longer available in the United States, injections that stimulate our body to produce collagen are available, very popular, and, yes, worth it! Sculptra, Radiesse, PRP, PRF, EZ Gel, and microneedling are examples of these types of procedures. We provide these injectables and a variety of other collagen-stimulating procedures that all work well and are worth the investment. Just remember that our bodies are limited in the speed of collagen production, and you have to be patient for results no matter which modality you use.
How do you maintain collagen?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and avoiding extreme diets are crucial for maintaining the collagen level. You should avoid smoking, high-sugar and refined carbs intake, and inadequate protein consumption.
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