Collagen
Stimulators

The Scientific Stuff

OK so let's get the scientific stuff out of the way first.

As we age, we tend to lose fat from the face, which results in a loss of structure to the face. Increased fitness and weight-fluctuation can increase this loss leading in some cases, to a longer appearance to the face and a more 'masculine' look. We lose our 'youthful feminine' features, with flattening of the cheek area and increased drooping of the skin leading to lower facial jowls. The face can almost appear 'deflated' with a loss of the 'roundness' that once gave us a youthful appearance. The skin can begin to look crêpey and thin with exaggerated wrinkles and folds over the cheek areas.

The Good Stuff

OK let's skip to the good stuff.

Collagen stimulators consist of a sterile suspension of Poly-L-Lactic Acid, which is a biocompatible, biodegradable (broken down or metabolized), synthetic polymer from the alpha-hydroxy acid family (fruit acids). It was developed as an injectable treatment to help correct skin depressions, such as creases, wrinkles, folds, scars, skin aging, and facial lipo-atrophy (loss of fat). It is not a 'filler', it is a 'volumiser', creating a more generalized increase in volume in an area and not the localized filling effect of a dermal filler. It helps to stimulate the collagen within the deeper layers of the skin making the skin appear texturally thicker and plumper, smoothing out fine lines and creases especially over the cheeks.

What You Need To Know

Depending on the area treated and the amount of collagen stimulant used, the effect of a treatment may last up to 2 years, but in some cases the duration of this effect can be shorter or longer. Most areas of treatment will require more than one treatment, usually 2-3 sessions over 6 weeks apart, for optimal correction. Because individual responses to the treatment may vary, the exact number of treatment sessions required cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Additionally, in order to maintain the desired degree of correction, intermittent "touch-up" treatments may be needed.

What I Need To Tell You

Yes, this treatment does involve the use of needles and there is a very small amount of discomfort involved with the injections. But trust me, it is worth it and the minimal discomfort is over in an instant!

Each session takes approximately 45-60 minutes as several injections are done 1-2cm apart. It is advisable to attend the clinic 45-60 minutes before the treatment so that an anaesthetic cream can be applied to the face to minimise any discomfort during the treatment. Local anaesthetic is also mixed in with the collagen stimulant and this makes the whole procedure virtually painless. It is possible to get bruising from the injections but of course any bruising will clear completely within 1-10 days with no long term effects.

Most people look 'puffy' in the treated area immediately after. This lasts for about 48 hours. It is usually mild and only noticeable to you or friends who know you. Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of 'unevenness' in the area treated for a few days. This will settle once the swelling and bruising have gone.

When the treatment is done the skin is firmly massaged with a greasy moisturiser for several minutes and then ice is applied for immediate relief of any discomfort. This will also help to alleviate any swelling and help to prevent or treat any bruising.

To ensure the best results and reduce any possible complications from these injections it is important that you follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your cosmetic practitioner.