Difference between collagen and Restylane

[Gillian W]

I hope I spelt restylane right.


I live in Melbourne. I have read alot about collagen injections for lips in the media. But recently I have begun seeing ads for restylane. What is teh difference?

[GraceYoung]

I hope I spelt restylane right.


I live in Melbourne. I have read alot about collagen injections for lips in the media. But recently I have begun seeing ads for restylane. What is teh difference?


I know both restylane and collagen are used as "fillers." I'm not sure what the difference is though.

I have had a friend who not only had botox for her wrinkles but also had fillers to help smooth her really deep wrinkles

[doctornev]

Collagen was the original filler injection. It can be used to add volume to various areas commonly to plump the lips or to fill in deep static wrinkles (see previous posts).

It was derived from animal products which means:

1. Have to do allergy testing so as to prevent possible anaphylactc reactions
2. It is broken down by the body relatively fast and lasts only 3-5 months.


Restylane is a newer filler injection. It is used in the exact same fashion as collagen. It is a totally synthetic hyaluronic acid filler - a subtance that occurs naturally in the body. This offers several advantages

1. No need for allergy testing
2. It is far more resistent to being broken down and persists to add volume to the body for 6-9 months.


Collagen probably enjoys the advantage in that is is slightly less viscous and is a bit easier to get a smooth finish. Its also cheaper! But in our experience, in the right hands, restylane gets outstanding results.

[princemkhan]

Collagen treatment works by replenishing your skin's natural collagen. Where as Restylane treatment is a crystal clear gel that adds contours and fills depressions to smooth facial wrinkles and folds.