Collagen is vital for skin health. Skin collagen banking is a term to describe when dermatologists use skin care methods that promote the production of collagen by either using biostimulatory fillers or other treatments. A biostimulatory filler is a type of injectable filler that can make a person’s face appear firmer and more youthful by way of neocollagenesis, or the stimulation of new collagen growth. ⁽¹⁾ Biostimulatory fillers are effective in adding volume where areas of the face may have become sunken or hollow over time. In addition to adding volume, biostimulatory fillers can also be used to address facial lines and wrinkles. ⁽¹⁾

At Derm & Rejuvenation Institute in Santa Monica, we offer two different biostimulatory filler options–Sculptra and Radiesse–that differ in the way they produce results. Fraxel and Ulthera, on the other hand, are non-filler alternatives that also promote collagen growth. We also offer chemical peels, thread lifting, and regenerative skincare products with tretinoin or peptides that are great for giving the face a rejuvenated, refreshed look and stimulating collagen banking.

Dr. Tanya Kormeili is a board-certified dermatologist, professor, and medical consultant who is committed to delivering the best skincare to her patients. To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kormeili at Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, call our Santa Monica office at (310) 526-8301, or fill out our contact form, and we will set up an appointment to get you started on your journey to healthier looking skin today.

We also share informative articles and updates about skincare on our blog.

Skin Collagen Banking Treatments

Dr. Kormeili offers two different types of biostimulatory fillers: Sculptra and Radiesse. We also offer Ulthera, Fraxel, and highly customizable chemical peels–each of which promote new collagen growth and skin rejuvenation.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a biostimulatory filler that acts as a facial volumizer. ⁽¹⁾ Sculptra differs from other fillers as it does not immediately fill areas of the face, but gradually stimulates the production of collagen over time. ⁽¹⁾ We recommend scheduling at least three Sculptra injection sessions in order to enjoy the best results. Sculptra can be distributed over a relatively large surface area, as well as targeting lines and folds. ⁽¹⁾ By creating this gradual production of collagen, Sculptra helps improve areas that have become sunken or areas that would benefit from volume contouring. For example, Sculptra can be injected into the cheeks, temples, folds by the nose and mouth, and more.

Radiesse

What makes Radiesse special is that it provides both immediate volume and long-term collagen biostimulation. ⁽²⁾ Radiesse is also thicker and more elastic than a lot of other fillers, which is a trait that allows it to remain in the part of the skin it was initially injected into, and keeps it from warping when challenged by external pressures. ⁽²⁾ Like Sculptra, Radiesse can be used to improve deep lines and hollow areas, and to stimulate new, long lasting collagen production. Some patients experience new collagen growth for as long as 12-18 months after receiving a Radiesse injection. ⁽²⁾ Unlike Sculptra, however, the volumizing effects of Radiesse are immediate. ⁽²⁾ When the treatment has run its course, your body will reabsorb Radiesse naturally through metabolism. ⁽²⁾

Ulthera

Ulthera, also known as Ultherapy, is another non-surgical, collagen-stimulating treatment that uses ultrasound technology in order to uplift and treat facial tissues. ⁽³⁾ This process combines ultrasound therapy with ultrasound imaging to deliver energy into the skin with precision. ⁽³⁾ By promoting a simulated wound-healing response, the Ulthera process encourages new tissue and collagen growth. ⁽³⁾ Dr. Kormeili may recommend multiple Ulthera sessions to receive the best results.

Fraxel

Fraxel is a type of laser treatment that aids in skin rejuvenation by triggering the skin’s natural healing response. ⁽⁴⁾ This treatment is nonablative, meaning it does not damage the surface of the skin. ⁽⁴⁾ Instead, the Fraxel laser creates tiny treatment zones inside the skin. ⁽⁴⁾ Fraxel can be used to treat dark spots caused by aging, wrinkles, acne, or scars. ⁽⁴⁾ Depending on your situation, Dr. Kormeili may recommend multiple Fraxel sessions in order to receive optimal results. It is possible to get Ulthera and Fraxel treatments done on the same day.

Chemical Peels

If you are looking for an alternative for skin rejuvenation that does not involve injections or laser treatments, a chemical peel may be the right choice for you. After we apply a specially formulated substance to the face, the skin will undergo an exfoliation process on the topmost layer of the skin, while at the same time not damaging the underlying layers. ⁽⁵⁾ This chemical exfoliation will stimulate skin regeneration or collagen renewal, giving you skin that looks healthier and more vibrant. ⁽⁵⁾ At Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, we offer a variety of chemical peels:

Each of these chemical peels have unique properties that make for a range of different treatment results.

Thread Lift

A thread lift is a simple, non-surgical procedure in which we use sutures made out of polydioxanone (PDO), a type of sugar, in order to tighten the sagging skin of the face. ⁽⁶⁾ The dissolving of the sutures will stimulate collagen growth in the face, which coupled with the skin tightening, can take years off the appearance of the face. ⁽⁶⁾ PDO thread lifting comes with the benefit of a short procedure, which usually takes under an hour to complete. Recovery time is also brief compared to surgery, with patients making a full recovery in around 2 weeks. ⁽⁶⁾

Regenerative Products

At Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, we have effective creams and serums that have collagen-stimulating properties.

Benefits of Collagen Banking

Regardless of the type of skin collagen banking treatment you choose, the result will be one that promotes skin regeneration and leaves you with firmer, more youthful-looking skin. All of these treatments are non-surgical, and require very short recovery periods. With a skin collagen banking treatment, you will be able to enjoy your refreshed look in no time.

Candidates

If you have any skin damage from acne, scars, or the natural process of aging, or if you simply want to refresh your skin, a skin collagen banking treatment could be right for you. During your personal consultation with Dr. Kormeili, she will discuss your eligibility for a skin collagen banking treatment, and recommend one that is fitting for your unique situation.

Some traits that a candidate for skin collagen banking treatment may have:

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Kormeili will examine your skin and help you decide what kind of skin collagen banking treatment will leave you with the best results. At this time, you can also ask any questions you have about any of our procedures and products, as well as pricing. No matter your skin type or texture, Dr. Kormeili is determined to find the right collagen-inducing treatment for your face that will make you feel confident in your skin.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kormeili, contact our Santa Monica office at (310)526-8301 or fill out our contact form.

Preparation

Dr. Kormeili will give you ample advice on how to prepare for your skin collagen banking treatment before the day of your appointment. The details of this preparation will vary depending on the type of treatment you choose to go forward with. However, as with all preparations for facial treatments, we will ask that you arrive at your appointment with a clean face. We will also ask you to remove any facial accessories that could get in the way of your treatment. Please refrain from applying creams or lotions before your appointment.

Dr. Kormeili will provide you with more detailed instructions that are tailored to your specific procedure after your consultation.

Procedure

Before your appointment, you will receive details about your procedure that are specific to your individual needs. If you receive one of our biostimulatory injections, the injection sites will depend on your unique facial structure. For Sculptra, we often recommend injections along the natural bony contours of the face. ⁽³⁾ Similarly, Radiesse will be injected into the parts of your face that have lost volume over time. ⁽²⁾

The Ulthera treatment will most likely consist of a 1 hour procedure that includes a pre-treatment session, during which topical numbing creams will be applied. Dr. Kormeili will use the Ulthera device to administer the treatment. Numbing cream will also be applied prior to a Fraxel laser treatment. About 1 hour later, Dr. Kormeili will use a Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 laser on the facial skin.

For chemical peels, the procedure can vary depending on the depth of the peel. If you are getting a superficial peel, the chemical solution will simply be applied to your face and left on for a few minutes; for a deeper peel, the procedure may involve a series of applications.

Recovery

With most of these skin collagen banking treatments, you will be able to return to your normal activities shortly after your appointment. For injectable treatments, we do recommend no strenuous activities or exercises within the first 24 hours after your appointment. We also recommend not laying face-down for the first few days to ensure you get the best results.

Results

Patients who choose skin collagen banking procedures enjoy long lasting results that leave their skin feeling and looking clearer and smoother. Depending on the treatment, the results of skin collagen banking procedures can be immediate, but it is also true that they can develop over the course of months. However, these slow-to-develop results can be long lasting. These treatments can be repeated or improved by multiple sessions spread out over time.

While Radiesse results will be mostly immediate, results from Sculptra develop over the course of 4-6 months. As for Ulthera, it can take up to 6 months to see full results that can last for years. ⁽³⁾

Cost of Skin Collagen Banking Treatments in Santa Monica

The cost of your skin collagen banking treatment is dependent on which treatment you choose to receive. The number or sessions you undergo will also determine the total cost. At your personal consultation, Dr. Kormeili will discuss pricing with you at length. You can also reach out to the Derm & Rejuvenation Institute by giving us a call at (310) 526-8301 or filling out our contact form if you have any questions about pricing.

FAQ

References

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3. Khan U, Khalid N. A Systematic Review of the Clinical Efficacy of Micro-Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening. Cureus. 2021;13(12). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.20163
4. Friedman PA, Dover JS, Chapas A, et al. 1,550 nm Erbium-Doped and 1,927 nm Thulium Nonablative Fractional Laser System: Best Practices and Treatment Setting Recommendations. Dermatol Surg. 2022;48(2):195-200. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000003321
5. Samargandy S, Raggio BS. Skin Resurfacing Chemical Peels. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547752/
6. Cobo R. Use of Polydioxanone Threads as an Alternative in Nonsurgical Procedures in Facial Rejuvenation. Facial Plastic Surgery. 2020;36(04):447-452. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714266
7. Sitohang IBS, Makes WI, Sandora N, Suryanegara J. Topical tretinoin for treating photoaging: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2022;8(1):e003. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/jw9.0000000000000003