Soft-Tissue Augmentation

Collagen / Fat Injectable Fillers

What is soft tissue augmentation?

Collagen/fat injectable fillers, also called soft-tissue augmentation, is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed to correct wrinkles, depressions in the skin, and/or scarring. The procedure involves injecting a substance (collagen and/or fat) into the skin in order to plump or fill-up the area being treated. The result of the procedure is usually not permanent and touch-up injections may be needed every three to 12 months. For some, however, the collagen injections can stimulate the body's own production of collagen, lengthening the time necessary between follow-up injections.

What is injectable collagen?

This protein gives support and structure to skin, bones, ligaments, and other body parts. Collagen-related fillers from tissue donors or self-donated tissues are generally utilized to treat wrinkles, scars, and facial lines.

What is injectable fat?

Injecting one's own fat to correct skin defects is called microlipoinjection. It includes the transfer or recycling of fat from one body area to another allowing the surgeon to recontour the skin. With a tiny needle, the fat is extracted and then re-injected into the selected site. This is often a favored treatment choice since it involves the use of one's own fat, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

Possible complications associated with collagen treatments

An allergic collagen reaction is a possible complication of some collagen treatments. Therefore, in order to avoid an allergic reaction, skin tests are sometimes performed to determine if the patient is allergic to collagen.