Addressing the Natural Changes in Volume and Firmness Over Time

As a natural part of aging, the skin's collagen production declines, leading to a loss of volume and changes in skin texture. Collagen-stimulating treatments are designed to address these concerns by working with the body's own renewal processes. This guide explains the approach we take at PHI Medical Aesthetics to assess age-related volume loss and manage skin quality, helping you make informed and confident decisions.

What is collagen and how does it work?

Collagen is a key structural protein in the skin, providing the firmness and elasticity associated with a youthful appearance. Over time, factors like aging and sun exposure cause collagen to break down, leading to common concerns such as facial hollowness, fine lines, and deeper wrinkles.

A biostimulatory treatment uses a substance, such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), to encourage the body to produce new collagen. When injected into the appropriate layer of the skin, these substances signal a natural regenerative response. Over the following months, as the body builds its own new collagen network, it can lead to a gradual restoration of volume and an improvement in the skin's underlying structure.

What can this type of treatment help address?

Collagen-stimulating treatments are often used to address a number of patient concerns related to facial aging, including:

Volume loss in the cheeks or temples.
The appearance of "smile lines" (nasolabial folds).
Lines that run from the corners of the mouth (marionette lines).
Improving the contour and structure of the jawline.

Please note that individual results vary and depend on a patient's unique anatomy, skin condition, and the agreed-upon treatment plan.

The Consultation and Treatment Process

Your journey at PHI begins with a thorough consultation to ensure any treatment is both safe and well-suited to your personal goals.

Consultation: Your visit starts with an in-depth discussion with one of our clinicians about your goals and a review of your medical history. It's important to disclose any medications, allergies, or existing health conditions, especially autoimmune diseases or a history of keloid scarring.
Preparation: To enhance comfort, a topical numbing cream is typically applied to the treatment area before the procedure begins.
Procedure: Our skilled Nurse Injectors will carefully administer the product into the targeted areas. The injection process itself generally takes between 15 to 30 minutes.
Post-treatment care: Immediately after the injections, your nurse will massage the treated zones to ensure the product is distributed evenly. You will be given essential home care instructions, which typically involve massaging the treated areas for 5 minutes, several times per day, for about 5 days.

Most patients receive a series of two to four treatment sessions, typically spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart, to achieve their desired outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I see the results?

The results from a collagen-stimulating treatment appear gradually. While you may notice some initial fullness due to the treatment itself, the true improvements develop over several months as your body builds new collagen. The most significant effects are typically visible 3 to 6 months after your final session.

How long do the results last?

The longevity of the results varies among patients, but they are considered long-lasting because the treatment relies on your body's own collagen production. Your clinician will discuss the expected duration for your specific treatment plan during the personalized consultation.

Is the procedure safe?

This type of treatment has a well-established safety profile when administered by trained and experienced professionals. As with any injectable procedure, it's common to experience temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites. Your Nurse Injector will discuss all potential risks and side effects with you during your thorough consultation.