There are numerous types of collagen implants available including autologen, bovine collagen, isolagen, and dermalogen. Each type of collagen filler has distinctive advantages and disadvantages, and some fillers are more expensive than others. The best way to determine what kind of collagen injection to seek is to research each type of filler properly.
Autologen is a type of collagen that is taken from one's skin. During a separate operation, a piece of skin is taken from one's body. Following this operation, the collagen inside of the surgically removed skin is extracted. Once extracted, this collagen is then turned into liquid and injected into a person's body in order to create a desired appearance. Unlike other types of collagen implants, autologen collagen does not require any kind of testing, since this substance is natural.
Bovine collagen is derived from cow skin. Collagen is extracted from cow skin, turned into liquid, and used as a filler for various cosmetic procedures. This type of filler is relatively common, and it is also inexpensive when compared to other collagen implants. Patients who opt for a bovine filler must go through an allergy test prior to this type of procedure, since some people are allergic to bovine injections.
Isolagen is a relatively new type of collagen filler. As with autologen fillers, isolagen collagen is derived from one's own body. Unlike autologen, isolagen collagen is produced through a cloning process. By extracting skin cells from behind one's ear, plastic surgeons can then clone these cells in order to produce new collagen. Since isolagen collagen is relatively natural, very few people experience any kind of allergic reaction following this type of procedure.
Dermalogen fillers are derived from donated cadavers. Donor collagen is extracted from a human body, sterilized, processed, and made into collagen filler. Studies have shown that dermalogen, isolagen, and autologen collagen implants last longer than bovine implants, though all of these procedures are more expensive than bovine implants. In addition to the types of collagen implants listed above, various hybrid fillers also exist.
Determining the right kind of collagen for one's body is a matter of budget and preference. While collagen that is derived from a human source lasts longer than bovine collagen, these fillers are expensive. During an initial consultation with a plastic surgeon, the best possible collagen option will be presented to each patient. Following an allergy test, patients can then choose from any collagen injection available.