Find out the possibility of stem cell beauty products as an interesting alternative to collagen injections.
In this article:
- What Are Collagen Injections?
- What Are the Types of Collagen Fillers?
- What Is the Procedure for Collagen Injections?
- What Are the Results of Collagen Injections?
- Is There a Future with Stem Cell Products as an Alternative for Collagen Injections?
Collagen Injections | Stem Cell Products for Skin Care
What Are Collagen Injections?
Collagen injections provide the skin with a smoother and plumper appearance. They replenish the natural collagen of the skin, enhancing the support structure within the skin. They are (or should only be) injected by trained professionals, as these injections require an extra level of expert care.
Continued treatments may be required depending on the area treated and the product being used. Collagen injections for the face are similar to naturally-occurring collagen, in that they start to also lose form and wear down over time. So, the patient may need two to four injections to maintain the skin’s smoothness.
What Are the Types of Collagen Fillers?
Generally, there are two types of collagen fillers: bovine-derived and human-derived. Bovine-derived collagen is a naturally-occurring protein from the hide, bones, and cartilage of cows. This type is similar to human collagen, which is why many opt to use this derivative. But, there is an associated risk to bovine-derived collagen, as some may develop allergic reactions to it.
Human-derived collagen naturally occurs in the body and is strong and flexible. It is abundant, usually in connective tissues, bones, and skin. Unlike the other type, human-derived collagen does not pose allergic risks.
What Is the Procedure for Collagen Injections?
A collagen injection procedure starts by using a very thin needle to inject collagen into the dermis. The needles are placed at several points around the edge of the area being treated. It may take 3 to 5 injections before the physician massages the treatment area. The injections will continue until a maximum concentration in the treatment area is reached.
Anesthesia may be applied, but if not, minor stinging might be felt by the patient. The injected collagen replaces the natural collagen that has worn down over time. It improves the skin inside out and restores a more youthful appearance.
What Are the Results of Collagen Injections?
After the treatment, the body absorbs and metabolizes the injected collagen over time. The patient will experience immediate effects, but the treatment won’t provide long-lasting results like that of cosmetic surgery. The results will also vary from patient to patient, and typically last for 3 to 6 months.
Bruising, minor swelling, slight stinging, and redness may be experienced by the patient after the treatment. Tiny scabs may also develop in the injection sites. But, these after effects usually resolve in two to three days. The patient may not need to bandage the treated area because they can resume normal activities a few days after the treatment.
Is There a Future with Stem Cell Products as an Alternative for Collagen Injections?
Stem cell-based products are now gaining a rapid interest from scientists for cosmetic medicine. A group of researchers discovered a new kind of pluripotent stem cells with the same properties as embryonic stem cells. They use the extracts, parthenogenetic stem cells, from these stem cells that offer skin care benefits.
The researchers discovered these stem cell extracts when doing studies for Parkinson’s disease. The extracts plumped and stimulated the skin, giving it a youthful appearance. They were effective in achieving skin firmness, luminosity, brightness, and resolving wrinkles.
The extracts work by increasing skin protein levels, similar to what elastin and collagen do. Collagen is the filler in injections that reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Elastin aids the tissues in helping the skin return to its normal state following contracting and stretching.
Currently, researchers hope to use parthenogenetic stem cells as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, some forms of blindness, and diabetes. They are still in the phase of understanding the characteristics of the tissue. This way, they will know how to implant it in humans safely, and how they can maximize its skin care benefits as a prized active ingredient.
To learn more about stem cells, watch this video from BioInformant:
The future of stem cells as an alternative to collagen injections for wrinkles and other skin aging signs is a promising cosmetic treatment to improve skin health. Further study and research are still needed to consider this as a safe collagen treatment alternative. But, it creates hope for patients to avoid invasive cosmetic surgeries as much as possible.
If you found this blog valuable, subscribe to BioInformant’s stem cell industry updates.
If stem cells can be safe for collagen treatment in the future, will you try it? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments.
Tell Us What You Think!