The augmentation of soft tissue with injectable collagen

Clinical experience has demonstrated the value of injectable collagen in treating small soft-tissue defects. Among the lesions that respond best to injectable collagen therapy are nasolabial and glabellar lines as well as areas of atrophy and soft scars. This material is a useful adjunct to surgical procedures and can correct contour irregularities that may follow rhinoplasty or rhytidectomy. The safety of injectable collagen has also been well demonstrated. The nature and incidence of treatment reactions (less than 3 per cent) remains unchanged since the close of clinical trials. Reactions have been localized, and although some have been cosmetically undesirable, none has been health-threatening. All ultimately resolve without therapeutic intervention. Immunologic studies have confirmed the benign nature and specificity of reactions to injectable collagen. The importance of proper injection technique cannot be overstated. Immediately upon injection, tissue blanching followed by whealing and overcorrection should be evident. These indicate the desired superficial placement of the material. The overcorrection helps to compensate for the loss of carrier saline, and it quickly dissipates. When properly injected, injectable collagen can be used safely and effectively to correct an array of soft-tissue contour irregularities.