Dermal fillers are an excellent solution for immediately plumping up aging skin, smoothing out wrinkles, and restoring youthful facial contours. The results can last anywhere from three months to two years, depending on the formula used and the particular chemistry of the individual, but follow-up is required in order to maintain the results. If you’ve done much research at all into dermal fillers, most likely you know this already. But what may come as a surprise is that many dermal fillers actually stimulate your body’s own natural collagen growth, so that the results keep improving long after the formula has been absorbed by your body. Here’s what you need to know about collagen and which fillers help stimulate collagen growth. 

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein in your body that plays a number of important roles, from building skin and bones to creating cartilage and muscle. Collagen is the main structural protein in skin, giving your skin shape and strength. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, resulting in thinner, sagging skin that is more susceptible to wrinkles. In addition to the aging process, collagen levels can be lowered by other factors, including sun exposure and smoking, leading to premature aging of the skin. 

Can lost collagen be replaced?

The idea that lost collagen can be easily replaced is a compelling one, and many products claim to be able to. Some collagen creams promise to restore your collagen, but they really can’t. The collagen that’s produced inside your body (endogenous collagen) is different from collagen applied externally (exogenous collagen). And even if it were the same type, the molecules are too large to penetrate the epidermis and be absorbed into your body. 

Certain collagen powders and supplements claim to increase your collagen production, and while some research has concluded that ingesting collagen peptides may increase your body’s collagen production, questions do arise about whether the collagen can survive digestion.  

Collagen-based fillers can temporarily replace lost collagen, but in general, they’re outdated, less cost-effective, and carry the risk of more unwanted side effects than newer dermal fillers. 

When it comes to replacing lost collagen for a more youthful appearance, the most effective solution is the use of dermal fillers that promote collagen production.   

Which dermal fillers promote collagen production?

In general, dermal fillers are designed to replace lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and plump up your skin for a more youthful appearance, but certain fillers can also provide long-term results. The following dermal fillers will promote the growth of fresh new collagen in your skin. 

RADIESSE® 

Like most dermal fillers, the RADIESSE® formula increases volume, contour, and definition immediately after injection. But the unique formula also contains Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres, which help to increase collagen production in the treatment area by up to 30%, so that the results continue to improve over time. RADIESSE® addresses a range of age-related skin concerns and produces gorgeous, natural-looking results. 

JUVÉDERM® , Restylane®, and other hyaluronic acid fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important ingredient in many of the most popular and effective dermal fillers available on the market today. A sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the skin, HA helps to bind water to collagen, resulting in youthful, plump, and hydrated skin. As we age, our natural production of both collagen and hyaluronic acid decreases. But cosmetic injectables like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® use hyaluronic acid to attract water to the area to create volume, correct sagging skin, and soften the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The immediate results are temporary, but the HA molecules also stretch the cells found in the connective tissue (fibroblasts), triggering collagen growth for long-term results.

So which dermal filler are you going to use to plump up your skin and promote your body’s collagen growth? 

Ready for firmer, plumper, more youthful-looking skin?

Siti Med Spa San Diego’s leader in cutting-edge anti-aging procedures. We use advanced FDA-approved cosmetic medical treatments and efficacious medical-grade products that result in visible improvements. Our highly-trained staff of Nurse Practitioners take pride in providing the best possible service to help each patient achieve a healthy, natural-looking, rejuvenated, ageless appearance.

For more information on dermal fillers or any of our other services, give us a call at (619) 717- 8484 to schedule a consultation today.