Collagen
is a natural protein that is the primary component of the second layer of the skin, the dermis. Collagen acts as the support structure of the skin for the growth of cells and blood vessels.
Injectable collagen formulas derived from human dermis including Cosmoderm® or Cosmoplast®. Alternatively, Zyderm® and Zyplast® are forms of purified bovine collagen that, unlike human-derived collagen, require allergy testing. Results from collagen injections generally last three months.
Collagen injections historically were the first of the tissue fillers, but, because of their short-lived effectiveness, they have largely been replaced by newer types of fillers.