Collagen Dermal Fillers

When your body's natural collagen begins to break down and wear out due to ageing, wrinkles and creases begin to appear. Collagen replacement treatments have been performed for over 20 years, to help fill out and smooth away wrinkles and furrows.

There are 2 types of treatments available:

Collagen Implants - using a natural substance derived from purified bovine (cow) collagen. These treatments aren't for everyone. A small percentage (fewer than 1%) can be allergic to bovine collagen, therefore a simple skin test will need to be performed 1 month prior to commencing treatment.
Hylaform - using a viscoelastic gel made of hyaluronic acid, this is a modified form of hyaluronan which is a substance found naturally in the human body. As this is naturally occurring in our body, no test is required prior to treatment.

What can be treated?

The most common areas being treated with collagen are: frown lines between eyebrows, smokers lines around the lips, Marionette lines at the sides of the mouth, forehead lines, crows feet, deep smile lines, acne scars and other facial scars.

How are the treatments performed?

The treatments are performed by a cosmetic physician, and are sometimes referred to as a lunch time procedure, usually taking less than 20 minutes. The substance is injected through a tiny needle under the skin, beneath the wrinkle, into your own collagen. Several injections may be required depending on the depth and length of the wrinkles being treated.

How long does it last?

Dermal defects and scarring is normally treated in 2-3 treatments over a 3 month period with correction lasting up to 2 years. Since ageing is a continuing process and we are regularly using the muscles that create these lines, treatments for wrinkles will last 3-4 months using collagen and up to 12 months using hylaform. When combining these treatments with muscle relaxing Botox Cosmetic treatments, patients experience a longer lasting effect, as the muscles are not contracting, the product will take longer to break-down.

What are the treatments like?

There is a small amount of lidocaine (local anaesthetic) contained within the product so most patients experience minimal discomfort, however, extra local anaesthetic may be used on patients with sensitivity. Post treatment the area may have a little swelling lasting up to a few hours and in some cases slight bruising may occur which can be easily covered with make-up. Normal activities can be resumed immediately following treatment.

How much does it cost?

The price varies depending on the area being treated and the product being used. There are different consistencies of product to suit fine, medium or deep wrinkles and scars. The physician will be able to determine which product will be required to provide the best result. Prices start from $250.

Consultations

Although these treatments are suitable for most people, there is some contributing factors that make a small percentage of people unsuitable candidates for treatment. A thorough consultation is advisable, during which we can find out relevant medical history and check for suitability. This also gives us the opportunity to answer any questions you may have, explain pre and post treatment instructions and to perform a test dose if required. Consultation fee is $55, however this is fully refunded upon commencing treatment. If you are medically unsuitable for treatment, no fee is charged.