Definition
Definition
Collagen, widely distributed in humans and all living organisms, is a fibrous protein (not very elastic) that makes up the majority of connective tissue. It is also a product used in particular in the treatment of wrinkles.
Generalities
More specifically, collagen which transforms into gelatin by emulsion ( reticulin ) is one of the scleroproteins of connective tissue, which is a linking and supporting tissue between different tissues and organs, made up of connective cells, associated with connective fibers and elastic fibers.
Scleroproteins are a type of holoprotein, sometimes simply called protein. This term refers to a group of proteins whose hydrolysis (breakdown) results almost exclusively in amino acids (the essential building blocks of proteins). The collagen used therapeutically is generally of bovine origin. It is available in three different concentrations.
Symptoms
physiology
Collagen , the most abundant protein in the human body , is a component of many tissues, thus enabling their cohesion:
- Le bone tissue.
- The cutaneous and subcutaneous coverings (the constituents of the skin).
- The aponeurosis.
This substance is present in the form of very long fibers which are made up of three strands themselves composed of three chains of thousands of amino acids each, and the most abundant of which are:
- Le glycine.
- La proline.
- La lysine.
Their production by the body occurs within specific cells, each producing a separate strand. The strands are then assembled into a helix of three strands within fibroblasts , connective tissue cells, through mechanisms involving enzymes (another protein that plays a crucial role in enabling biochemical reactions within the body). Collagen fibers have a specific organization. Their arrangement varies depending on the tissue:
- Maximum resistance is ensured by the parallelism of the fibers which are pressed against each other, when it comes to the collagen used in the composition of tendons for example.
- For a medium strength fabric, such as that contained inside the viscera, the fibers are irregularly entangled in all directions and in a much less dense manner.
Pathophysiology
Some pathologies are linked to an abnormality of collagen (abnormal formation of collagen fibers) which invades the body in a diffuse way, resulting in connective tissue diseases also called collagenosis such as scleroderma which is characterized by the presence of thick and fibrous skin (with decreased elasticity).
Medical exam
Technical
Each type of collagen corresponds to a specific type of wrinkle and area to be treated. Before considering collagen injections, it is necessary to first perform tests to prevent a possible allergic reaction. The procedure can be performed with or without anesthesia. The product is injected into the wrinkle, slightly deeper. This procedure, of course, requires a practitioner experienced in the method.
Evolution
Side effects
Some redness appears after the injection and sometimes even edema.
There are also risks of allergy to collagen, which must be taken into account in order to possibly interrupt the sessions. The results do not last longer than 4 to 6 months (sometimes more, depending on the collagen used).
The number of sessions depends on both the patient and the doctor; prior agreement with the doctor on the technique and price is recommended before undertaking this type of treatment.
Prevention
The use of collagen requires some precautions. Indeed, potential allergies and immune disorders necessitate prior testing, such as:
- The dosage of antibody blood.
- The skin tests.