Regenerating collagen is one of the most effective ways to help you look healthy and vibrant. Maintaining adequate levels of collagen can help erase defects caused by sun exposure, pollution, scarring, skin conditions, and aging.
Collagen is the natural protein that provides structure to your skin. It makes your skin appear youthful and plump by contributing strength and elasticity. This substance also supports cell turnover, a process that helps naturally remove dead skin cells and allow for the production of new ones.
In her private practice in Shenandoah and Houston, Texas, skin rejuvenation specialist Winnie King, MD, specializes in helping patients improve their appearance by regenerating collagen with treatments that include the Pellevé® skin tightening treatment, Aerolase® Neo medical laser, microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and dermal fillers. Dr. King administers these cutting-edge technologies as part of a personalized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals and the condition of your skin.
Find out more about the reasons to consider including a collagen regeneration treatment in your skin rejuvenation regimen.
Collagen levels decrease with age
The youthful glow you enjoy as a young adult is due to the fact that your body is still producing optimal levels of collagen. In the years that follow, collagen production decreases consistently as the cells that make collagen, called fibroblasts, weaken and eventually disappear.
After you reach the age of 20, your body naturally produces 1% less collagen every year. As your collagen levels dwindle, your skin becomes dry, loses structure, contains less fat, and looks loose and saggy. You may also notice more visible lines and wrinkles.
Collagen regeneration can correct skin damage
It’s possible to encourage collagen growth through skin rejuvenation treatments like lasers, PRP, or fillers. These treatments work under the skin to stimulate your body’s natural ability to produce collagen and trigger fibroblasts.
The benefits of collagen regeneration can include:
- Improvement of fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin that appears plumper
- Tighter, firmer skin
- Even-textured skin
- Fading of sunspots and other dark spots
- Reduction of pore size
- Improvement of acne scars
As an additional benefit, stimulating collagen growth can produce long-lasting results. The more collagen you have, the greater your ability is to produce and maintain this substance.
In-office treatments can stimulate collagen regeneration
Skin rejuvenation treatments encourage collagen growth for fuller and more youthful skin. In-office treatments initiate collagen regeneration under the surface of your skin by jumpstarting fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
Pellevé
The noninvasive Pellevé system uses warm radiofrequency (RF) waves that gently penetrate into the dermis, a deeper layer of your skin. The heat is delivered at a temperature that stimulates your body’s natural healing responses to promote collagen and elastin production over time. As your body produces more of these proteins, it works to tighten your skin and reduce wrinkles caused by aging and other damage.
The Pellevé system is safe for all areas of your face and can be used on all skin types. Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after this treatment.
Aerolase
When heat from the Aerolase Neo laser is directed to a targeted area, it is attracted to water under your skin. As it heats the water, your skin identifies the increase in temperature as an “injury,” generating a natural response to produce collagen to repair the “damage.” Over time, this regeneration of collagen works to deliver a smoother and more even complexion.
PRP microneedling
A similar effect occurs with PRP microneedling during a facial. The process of microneedling produces tiny injuries in your skin, which stimulate your body to produce collagen at the wound sites to promote healing. The increase in collagen production results in an improved appearance.
Dermal fillers
Using hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® or Juvederm® can help to stimulate your body’s collagen growth for long-lasting results. Your body reads the higher levels of hyaluronic acid as a natural increase in this substance. It responds by boosting collagen production in the areas where the hyaluronic acid is highest.
Find out more about the importance of regenerating collagen and the customized treatments that can help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Call our Shenandoah or Houston office today to schedule a consultation.