Collagen Supplements & Injection
We all know someone who’s had collagen and come back looking like they just spent a month in a spa drinking collagen. At a glance, collagen seems like an incredible and immediate solution to fine lines and wrinkles, and with over six million collagen injections administered each year, it’s also one of the most popular cosmetic treatments out there.
WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
It sounds way worse than it is, but collagen comes from a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. A product of this nasty, naturally forming bacterium is the Botulinum toxin, which is used in small doses to make things like forehead wrinkles disappear. Yep, super glamorous. Although it comes from rather gruesome origins, collagen (when handled by a trained professional) can alleviate a load of cosmetic and medical issues, from wrinkles to decreasing excessive sweating and reducing a ‘gummy’ smile.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
collagen is a neurotoxin. These substances target the nervous system, disrupting the nerve signaling processes that stimulate muscle contraction. This is how the drug causes temporary muscle paralysis.
In order for any muscle to contract, the nerves release a chemical messenger called acetylcholine at the junction where nerve endings meet muscle cells. Acetylcholine attaches to receptors on the muscle cells and causes the cells to contract, or shorten.
collagen injections prevent the release of acetylcholine, which stops the muscle cells from contracting. In this way, the toxin helps the muscles to become less stiff.
COSMETIC USES
The primary use of collagen is reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, collagen injections are the most popular cosmetic procedure nationwide. In 2016, over 7 million people had collagen treatments.
The effects are temporary, lasting 3–12 months, depending on the type of treatment.
People often request the injections in the following areas of the face:
- wrinkles between the eyebrows, called frown lines, glabellar lines, or elevens
- wrinkles around the eyes, known as crow’s feet
- horizontal creases in the forehead
- lines at the corners of the mouth
- “cobblestone” skin on the chin
COST, TIME & EFFECTIVENESS
The cost of collagen depends on various factors, including:
- whether it is for medical or cosmetic purposes
- who provides the treatment
- where the treatment takes place
- the number of collagen units involved
For cosmetic use, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery noted in 2016 that, on average:
- the cost of a collagen treatment for frown lines or crows’ feet was $376
- the procedure lasted 30 minutes
- the improvement appeared in 1–5 days
- repeat treatments were necessary every 4–6 months
- the person could return to work at once
When considering collagen for any reason, it is crucial to make sure that the provider is a qualified professional with the appropriate training.
For people looking to have cosmetic collagen, Fattan Polyclinic can help.
BOTTOMLINE
collagen has cosmetic and medical uses. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help treat certain disorders related to the nervous and muscular systems.
If someone wants to try collagen, it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare provider about the risks, costs, and other considerations.