The collagen in human skin is very similar to the collagen found in certain
animals. Animal collagen has had many medical applications; for example,
animal collagen has been used in sutures for over a century. Injectable Zyderm
and Zyplast Collagen Implants are made of collagen from cow skin that has been
highly purified.

Collagen implants are a safe, effective, time-tested, non-surgical wrinkle
treatment that provides immediate results.

Frown lines between the eyes, cheek depressions, acne scars, smoker's lines,
marionette lines at the ends of the mouth, crow's feet at the eyes, worry lines in
the forehead, deep smile lines, dimples, and facial scars are the ten areas most
commonly treated.

How Do Zyderm Collagen And Zyplast Collagen Work?

Both Zyderm and Zyplast Collagen Implants lend additional support to the
collagen network within the skin. Injections of small amounts of either material
directly into areas where the body's own collagen has been weakened,
depressions can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin. Hence, lines and
scars can be minimized, texture is improved, and the skin has a softer and more
even tone. Zyderm is a more dilute form that is useful for the treatment of
superficial fine lines, while Zyplast is more concentrated and useful for deep
furrows, lip augmentation and acne scars.

The Skin Test

Your doctor will inject a small amount of collagen into your forearm to find out if
you are eligible for treatment with Zyderm or Zyplast Collagen Implant. The test
site must be closely observed for four weeks for any signs of sensitivity to the
material such as redness, swelling, or itching. Reactions occur during the first
three days so pay special attention to the test site. Contact your doctor at the
first sign of any of these problems.

Only about three out of every 100 tested patients show a sensitivity to the test
and cannot be treated with injectable collagen; 97 percent of all tested patients
can be treated.

When Does Treatment Start?

Treatment can start after the four-week test observation period if you are not
sensitive to the skin test. Treatment involves a series of office visits - usually two
weeks apart. Most patients see considerable improvement in 1-3 treatment
sessions depending on the size, shape, and texture of the area being treated.

Do The Injections Hurt?

Some people find that the injections are slightly uncomfortable, especially
around the nose or lips. Zyderm and Zyplast Collagen Implants contain a small
amount of lidocaine that helps numb the area temporarily, and most people
report that the injections are relatively painless.

Post Treatment

Following treatment most patients feel comfortable in resuming their regular
activities. Especially with Zyderm Collagen Implant temporary puffiness of the
treated areas, however, should be expected.

You may also notice temporary blushing, slight bruising, and tenderness around
the treatment sites with both Zyderm and Zyplast Collagen Implants. These are
normal occurrences and all should settle within a few days. Although the
material is generally not visibly distinguishable from the surrounding skin, some
patients have reported that they were initially able to feel the outline of the
injected collagen.

However, as the new collagen is squeezed into your own skin, the treatment site
takes on the natural look and feel of healthy skin. Any redness and/or visible
swelling that persists for more than a few days may show a reaction to the
material. Be sure to report any questionable symptoms to our office.

Details of Treatment

Pre-Treatment: Prior to treatment, a collagen test has to be performed on two
different occasions to ensure that one is not allergic to collagen.

Anaesthesia: Prior to treatment, EMLA which is a topical anaesthetic cream is
applied to the treatment area and covered with saran wrap 2 hours prior to the
procedure. The collagen itself contains anaesthetic and the treatment is initially
slightly painful but then is painless.

Treatment: Both Zyderm and Zyplast are injected under the skin using fine
needles.

Post Treatment: Immediately after treatment there will be swelling and
occasionally oozing. Approximately 50% of the swelling will settle within 12
hours. One is usually okay to go back to work the next day.




| face procedures | breast procedures | body procedures | The Skin Spa |