All the celebrities are doing it. Your mother might be considering it. You have noticed that your lips have become a bit thin lately. It is all part of the collagen craze to fight the ravages of time and give your natural look a bit of a boost.
In cosmetics terms, collagen injections have been around for a long time. Yes, roughly 30 years. They first became popular with celebrity women in the seventies. Those injections were derived from cow fat, which is something they probably did not discuss much.
Collagen used today comes from a wide variety of sources. Your physician will discuss this with you. No, not to gross you out. He or she will want to make sure you do not have any allergies associated with the source of the collagen.
There are even synthetic versions of collagen. If you are one of those unlucky people who tend to be very allergic to things, synthetic forms such as autologen or dermalogen might be your best choice.
Following an injection, you can expect the area that has been injected to be bruised, swollen, and painful. While some claim that you can pop in for a bit of collagen during lunch then move on with your day, this is not entirely realistic unless moving on with your day involves a nap and a spa date.
If you go with collagen, it is also important to realize the injections are not a one time thing. You will need multiple visits each month to maintain the look. The recovery time will decrease as you get used to it, but the effect is not permanent.
Okay, what about the practical issues of cost? Well, there is good news in this area. Whereas most cosmetic procedures will run you thousands of dollars, these injections will run in the $350 range. Your medical insurance, however, does not cover them.
In this modern age, the steps that can be taken to fight back against the ravages of time are pretty amazing. Collagen injections are certainly a weapon in that fight. For many women, they are used to preview what the effect of a facelift might look like.
