Canadian Institute of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Montreal

Collagen injections (using Zyderm and Zyplast) help to replace your natural collagen, which is a protein that supports the skin and gives it its youthful tone and suppleness.

Natural collagen is gradually lost from the skin as time passes, leading to facial lines and wrinkles. During treatment, simple injections are given under the surface of the skin to help 'fill out' and smooth away wrinkles, acne scars or other facial lines. The effects are seen straight away.

Collagen Replacement Therapy is completely different from using cosmetics or moisturizers, which can only work on the surface. Because it actually works from within your skin, Collagen can make an immediate and noticeable difference to the way you look.

It's good to know that there are so many areas that can be improved, such as frown lines, crow's feet and lip lines.

A simple skin test in the forearm is done to help rule out any allergic reactions. Then after 4 weeks, if the skin didn't react, treatment can be started. In general, the injections are simple and almost painless.

The result obtained from the injected Collagen stays for many months, but is gradually absorbed by the body. Only about 1 to 2% of people experience an allergic type of reaction, such as redness or itching.