During an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, each patient will be presented with the best collagen option possible.
There are several types of collagen implants available, including autologous, bovine collagen, isolagen, and dermalogen. Each type of collagen filler has different advantages and disadvantages, and some fillers are more expensive than others. The best way to determine which type of collagen injection to look for is to research each type of filler properly.
Patients will need to undergo allergy testing before choosing collagen injections.
Autogen is a type of collagen extracted from the skin. During a separate operation, a piece of skin is removed from the body. After this operation, the collagen within the surgically removed skin is extracted. Once extracted, this collagen is turned into a liquid and injected into a person’s body to create the desired look. Unlike other types of collagen implants, autologous collagen does not require any type of testing since this substance is natural.
Bovine collagen is obtained from cow skin. Collagen is extracted from cowhide, made into a liquid, and used as a filler for various cosmetic procedures. This type of filler is relatively common and also inexpensive compared to other collagen implants. Patients who opt for a bovine filler must have an allergy test prior to this type of procedure, as some people are allergic to bovine injections.
Isolagen is a relatively new type of collagen filler. As with autogenous fillers, insulating collagen is derived from the body itself. Unlike autogenous, isolagenic collagen is produced through a cloning process. By removing skin cells behind the ear, plastic surgeons can clone these cells to produce new collagen. Since isolating collagen is relatively natural, very few people experience any type of allergic reaction after this type of procedure.
Dermalogen fillers are derived from donated cadavers. Donated collagen is harvested from a human body, sterilized, processed and made into collagen filler. Studies have shown that dermalogen, isolagen, and autologous collagen implants last longer than bovine implants, although all of these procedures are more expensive than bovine implants. In addition to the types of collagen implants listed above, there are also several hybrid fillers.
Determining the correct type of collagen for the body is a matter of budget and preference. Although collagen derived from a human source lasts longer than bovine collagen, these fillers are expensive. During an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, each patient will be presented with the best collagen option possible. After an allergy test, patients can choose any available collagen injection.