Introduction to collagen stimulators
As our skin ages, the natural loss of collagen leads to thinner and structurally weakened skin. In the face, the result can be a loss of volume and the development of facial depressions. Collagen stimulators may help with adding volume to depressed areas, particularly to correct skin depressions. They are used to renew skin thickness and firmness and to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. As with any aesthetic treatment, the decision to use collagen stimulator injections should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Why collagen stimulators?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and can be found in our bones, muscles, skin and tendons. As we age, the production of collagen in our bodies decreases. Over time, this leads to loose and saggy skin and the formation of facial wrinkles and folds. Collagen stimulators are aesthetic treatments used to increase skin volume by activating the skin’s ability to produce collagen, restoring the skin’s structure and renewing firmness.
TREATMENT AREAS
Collagen stimulator injections are used to bring volume and firmness to areas of the face that have become loose and saggy. Suitable treatment areas may include hollow cheeks or temples, nasolabial folds or ‘smile lines’ (the lines running between the mouth and the chin), and 'marionette lines' (the lines running from the mouth to the chin).
The treatment
Injectable collagen stimulators are medical devices classified for professional use only which must be administered by qualified healthcare practitioners only.
Collagen stimulators are typically injected in the deep layers of the skin to stimulate its own collagen production. Three treatment sessions are typically recommended over the course of a few months. Depending on the product used, the area injected, and the patient involved, results may last for more than two years.
Immediately after each treatment session, patients may experience a degree of swelling which will temporarily reduce wrinkles and folds. The gradual process of collagen replacement then starts. Results will be gradually seen over a few months. Collagen stimulators tend to work subtly, gradually renewing your skin thickness and firmness and correcting shallow to deep wrinkles and folds.
As with all medicines, collagen stimulators can cause side effects. Your registered healthcare practitioner should inform you of these potential risks, as well as any side effects and contraindications prior to treatment. You should also ask to see the Patient Information leaflet and Aftercare brochure provided to practitioners. Please note that the information on this website does not in any way replace the professional advice of the treating healthcare practitioner.
The science behind
Collagen stimulators contain a biodegradable substance that, when injected in the deeper layers of the skin, helps stimulate the skin’s own natural collagen production. The skin’s inner structure is improved.
Collagen stimulators increase skin volume and firmness and reduce shallow to deep wrinkles and folds. The below gallery shows examples of how patients appeared before and after treatment with collagen stimulator injections.
Before & After
- Collagen stimulator: cheeks, smile lines and chin.
- Individual results may vary.
- Collagen stimulator: cheeks, smile lines and chin.
- Individual results may vary.
FAQs
How should I prepare before my collagen stimulator consultation?
Collagen stimulators are medical devices and you will always have a consultation with a healthcare practitioner prior to your first treatment. Think through what you want to achieve and the questions you may have. You will also be asked about your medical history and current medications. When you leave your consultation, you should feel well informed about collagen stimulators and you should know what results to expect.
What should I think about when choosing a clinic?
In Singapore, only qualified healthcare practitioners may administer injectable collagen stimulators. Your treatment should be performed in a registered clinic that provides privacy and is spotlessly clean. You can always request to see training certificates and insurance certificates to ensure that your healthcare practitioner has received the appropriate training for the treatment.
Who is qualified to administer collagen stimulator treatments?
Only qualified healthcare practitioners may administer injectable collagen stimulator treatments. You may check with the clinic or the healthcare provider for the necessary qualification.
What should I expect from my chosen healthcare practitioner?
Your healthcare practitioner should provide you with comprehensive information about how collagen stimulators can stimulate the formation of collagen and give you a detailed explanation regarding your treatment.
This is what you should expect:
- Information about the possibilities and limitations of the treatment.
- Information about possible side effects and precautions for treatment.
- Information about the cost of the treatment and follow-up treatments.
Which areas do collagen stimulators treat?
Collagen stimulator treatments are injected to correct shallow to deep wrinkles and folds, by stimulating the skin’s own collagen production. Administered with the appropriate injection technique from a trained specialist, collagen stimulators may be used for:
- Hollow cheeks and temples.
- Nasolabial folds (the lines running between the nose and mouth, also known as laugh lines).
- Smile lines.
How many treatments are required?
Depending on the product used, a series of 3 treatment sessions over the course of a few months may be needed. The number of injections at each session will vary, depending on the degree of correction needed and the treatment plan determined by you and your healthcare practitioner.
Skin insights
Other treatment options
Aesthetic science provides a range of treatments to help individuals address skin ageing and facial imbalances, as well as to create unique looks. A variety of dermal fillers allow aesthetic practitioners to refine facial features and to fill lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile anti-wrinkle injections, skin hydration boosters and collagen stimulators may be used to address the signs of skin and facial ageing.
RELAX
Anti-wrinkle injections may be used to relax the muscles of the face and reduce the prominence of lines and wrinkles.
REFINE
Dermal fillers may be used to refine facial features by lifting and shaping contours, filling lines and wrinkles, and creating volume.
REFRESH
Skin hydration boosters may be used to refresh the skin from within, increasing skin hydration, improving elasticity, and reducing fine lines.