Collagen Injections

Bovine collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®) was approved by the FDA two decades ago. It was the first filler agent to become popular in the US. Typically, it is used for smile lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement, and scar correction. Because bovine collagen is derived from cow collagen, skin tests on the arm are required in an attempt to determine collagen allergy. Results typically last 2-6 months.

Human collagen (Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®) is used much like bovine collagen. It, too, is used for smile lines and other wrinkles, lip enhancement, and scar correction and results typically last 2-6 months. These materials are among the more popular filler agents for lip enhancement, or for the patient who likes collagen, but prefers not to have bovine collagen. In contrast to bovine collagen, human collagen treatment does not require a skin test.