An Individual's Suitability for Collagen Replacement Therapy

Injectable bovine collagen is obtained from cows, and may cause allergic reactions in some people.

The incidence of intolerance to bovine collagen injections as one of the modalities for facial rejuvenation is 3%.

A skin test is performed to check if collagen replacement therapy using bovine collagen is suitable.

The test, which is an injection of bovine collagen just under the skin of the forearm, takes a minimum of four weeks to complete, although most allergic reactions surface within the first 3 days.

Signs of bovine collagen replacement allergy include, but are not limited to:

• redness
• itching
• swelling
• tenderness
• hardening

If a reaction occurs but is very mild in nature, a second test of the other forearm may be carried out as confirmation of the exact nature of your sensitivity.

Other Factors in Determining Suitability for Collagen Replacement Therapy

Other factors may point to collagen replacement being unsuitable:

• allergies to many medications, including local anaesthetics;
• allergies to many foods, meat products in particular;
• family allergies;
• personal allergies to other substances;
• skin disorders;
• connective tissue disorders