What You Should Know About:

COLLAGEN

Collagen is a natural bovine derived protein processed for injection into the skin. The product is called Zyderm or Zyplast, and has been shown to temporarily improve the appearance of scars and wrinkle lines such as smile lines, frown lines, marionette lines and crow’s feet. It is also used to enhance such structures as the lips. Before proceeding with collagen treatment, the informed patient should know that:

• No cosmetic procedure can do everything that the patient would ideally wish. Most patients who receive collagen treatment are pleased with the results. Some scars or wrinkles may improve more than others.

• Collagen does not persist in the skin indefinitely. It is broken down by the body, and usually lasts 3-4 months. Therefore, to maintain the effect, multiple injections over time are required.

• A small percentage of people (3%) are allergic to the collagen. Therefore, it is necessary to perform two skin tests over a period of 6-8 weeks on your forearm. An allergic reaction will look like an insect bite. An additional 1-2% of people will still develop an allergic reaction after treatment has begun.

• There has been an allegation that there may be a link between collagen treatment and subsequent development of autoimmune disease. It is your physician’s professional opinion in studying the medical literature to date that a cause-and-effect link between collagen treatments and autoimmune diseases has not been made.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

• The area injected may appear red and swollen. This may resolve after several hours. You may place ice wrapped in a washcloth over the area for a maximum of 20 minutes.

• Should you develop an allergic reaction—the area becomes increasingly red and swollen and itchy, please notify our clinic immediately at 650-723-6316. In the very rare event, that you have difficulty breathing, proceed immediately to your local hospital emergency room.