Collagen and Fat Injections

Both collagen and fat injections are used to fill depressions or lines in the skin. Although collagen is a normal component of all skin, the type of collagen used for cosmetic injection is prepared from calfskin. Since this type of collagen is a foreign protein, patients are skin tested to determine any allergic reaction. Both collagen and fat are injected in the same way- into both the deeper and shallow layers of the skin, filling the depression or line with either collagen or the patient's own fatty tissue.

This procedure is performed at the Clinique of Plastic Surgery and the patient can return to work immediately without looking obtrusive. Depending on the area we are injecting with collagen or fat, the patient may experience some mild discomfort during the injection process. Collagen injections provide significant improvements for approximately three to four months.

Another substance which can be injected or transplanted beneath lines or depression is the patient's own fatty tissue. Since it is one's own tissue there is no risk of allergy or rejection. Some of the fat that is injected in the area may be absorbed by the body, so usually more than one injection is required. However, some of the injected fat does survive indefinitely, so after a series of injections, the correction can be quite satisfactory and long lasting.

For a personal and confidential consultation, call the Clinique of Plastic Surgery at (727)592-0991 or (800)767-9166 to schedule your appointment today!

As with any medical procedure, there are certain inherent risks that should be discussed. Costs vary depending upon the extent of the surgery and areas treated. Please contact Dr. Drehsen and the Clinique of Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.