BOTOX INJECTIONS - COLLAGEN INJECTIONS

Medical Home > Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Botox Injections & Collagen Injections

Botox injections are the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the industry, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2001, more than 1.6 million people received botox injections or collagen injections, an increase of 46 percent over the previous year. More popular than breast enhancement surgery and a potential blockbuster, Botox is regarded by some as the ultimate fountain of youth.

Botox Injections and Collagen Injections can Minimize:

  • crow's feet - (botox)
  • horizontal forehead lines - (botox)
  • vertical lines between the brows - (botox)
  • laugh lines - (collagen)
  • thin lips - (collagen)

How Botox Injections Work

Botox paralyzes the muscle underlying the problem area, causing the line or wrinkle to flatten out. Botox does wear off in 3-4 months.

How Botox Injections are Performed

The doctor marks the muscles after having the patient contract them. Then, a topical anesthetic cream is applied before the injections are given. It is recommended that only one area be done the first time to make sure that the patient is not going to have an allergic reaction to the injection. Botox is actually made from the botulism toxin, but you can't contract botulism from the injections. The treatment takes 5-20 minutes to perform. Results will usually be seen in 3-7 days.

Risks Associated with Botox Injections

  • eyelid drooping
  • bruising for 24-36 hours

How Collagen Injections are Performed

A few weeks prior to the procedure, an allergy test is done to verify that the patients is not allergic to collagen. On the day of the procedure, an anesthetic cream is first applied. Then, collagen with anesthetic are injected into the areas to be treated. Collagen injections are usually more painful than botox injections. Where the doctor injects the collagen greatly influences the results. Lumps can be caused by collagen injected near the skin's surface, and uneven skin tone can be caused by collagen injections into a blood vessel. Ice may be applied after the procedure to reduce swelling and discomfort. Results last 3-4 months.

Risks Associated with Collagen Injections

  • allergic reaction - 3% of adults have an allergy to collagen which is made from bovine collagen (a cow product)
  • bruising
  • lumps and bumps
  • redness and swelling