What is collagen and why is it important?

     Collagen is one of the most important structural components in our skin. Collagen is responsible for giving our skin scaffolding and volume for a youthful and healthy appearance. Think of your skin as a house — in this analogy, collagen is the wooden framework that provides the foundation to build all of the other essential dermal components. When collagen becomes depleted, it is like the wooden framework of a house becoming unstable and flimsy. The deteriorated framework can no longer provide a reliable foundation for the house’s exterior components. In the case of collagen depletion, the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scarring becomes more prominent. 



Why is Collagen Better Than a Temporary Filler?

    While dermal hyaluronic acid fillers are a viable option to keep atrophic areas of the skin lifted, they only last 6 to 12 months. For more permanent results, a collagen stimulator like Sculptra can be used to elicit your body’s own filler (i.e. collagen). Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the active ingredient in Sculptra, stimulates the fibroblasts in our skin to produce new collagen, which volumizes areas that appear gaunt, have wrinkles, folds, or scars.