hyaluronic acid peptide injection FAQ

You and your doctor will discuss your medical history and the areas you want treated with injectable fillers. Injections are not appropriate for certain lines and scars or when certain medical conditions are present. It is very important to discuss and understand what filler injections can do for you. If you and your doctor decide injections are appropriate, your doctor may start with a skin test in your forearm to determine if you are sensitive to the substance being used. You must watch the area very carefully over a four-week period. Most men and women tested show no reaction to the skin test.

Collagen was the most widely known filler, but there are many others that work differently from collagen injections. Among them are:

The “softer” hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane, Restylane-L, and Juvederm Ultra XC last 3 to 9 months or longer, depending on the product and where it is placed. Other fillers last longer:

In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and the skin remains moisturized and elastic. It springs back, no matter what our facial expressions are. And it stands up to everyday environmental exposure. But over time, the support structure weakens and the skin loses its elasticity. The skin begins to lose its tone as the collagen support wears down. Every time you smile, frown, or squint, you put stress on the collagen in your skin. The effect of these facial expressions adds up and facial lines begin to appear.

Collagen creams work only on the skin surface. A moisturizer with or without collagen cannot penetrate the skin and is not designed to be absorbed. No moisturizer can undo the cumulative effect of collagen loss and make wrinkles disappear. Creams primarily slow the rate of water loss from the skin and help keep the skin supple.

To understand collagen, you should first understand your skin. Skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis). The uppermost layer, known as the epidermis, controls the loss of water from cells and tissue. Without this protective barrier, the body would quickly dehydrate. Just below the epidermis lies the second layer, the dermis. The dermis, although it contains blood vessels, nerves, and hair follicles, is primarily made up of a protein called "collagen." This protein forms a network of fibers that provides a framework for the growth of cells and blood vessels. Because it is the primary component of the dermis, collagen acts as the support structure for the skin. The hypodermis is a layer of fat and connective tissue that contains larger blood vessels and nerves. It also hosts sweat glands, fat, and collagen cells. The hypodermis is responsible for conserving your body's heat and protecting your vital inner organs.

You may receive a small injection of local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. There is a possibility of slight bruising, and you may experience puffiness, redness, and tenderness around the treated site. It's important to discuss with your doctor exactly what you can expect from each treatment. Together, you can prioritize which facial areas you wish to have treated and discuss how many treatments you may need and the estimated cost. You should have realistic expectations about what the results may be. It's important to know that one treatment probably will not remove every line on your face. Depending on the substance injected, you will need continued treatments to maintain the smoothing effect. That’s why it’s a good idea to discuss cost. Keep in mind that health insurance doesn't pay for cosmetic procedures. So be sure you're clear on what you'll need to pay for and what your payment options are.