Is there any risk of allergic reaction with collagen fillers? how do i find out if im allergic?

Yes: Collagen fillers are derived from animal sources such as cows and require skin testing to determine if there may be an allergy. To test, a tiny amount of filler is injected under the skin to observe any possible reaction, such as redness, swelling or itching. If there is an allergic reaction, alternative materials can be considered, such as other synthetic non-collagen fillers or fat transfer.

Yes: Collagen fillers do not last very long and have a significant risk of allergic reactions. Hyaluronic acid and calcium based fillers like juvederm and Radiesse have pretty much replaced collagen as the treatment of choice for dermal fillers.

Skin Test Needed: Collagen fillers are rarely used anymore because of the short duration of correction and the risk of allergic reactions. A skin test is needed with the same product that is planning to be used (as collagen can come from a variety of sources), and should be tested at least 2-4 weeks before the treatment to ensure no reaction. Best advice is to go with a longer lasting, safer filler such as juvederm.

Yes there is rsk: Collagen allergy is not uncommun and is detected with a skin test. Most surgeons at present use fillers like juvederm and radiess with better result and less side effect. The mozt advanced " filler" is to use your own stem cells. With stem cells , there is no reaction, allergy or rejection. It is safe and long lasting. It is performed under local anesthesia.

Sculptra is safe: Older style collagen fillers indeed had high risk of allergic reactions and required the use of a test injection. Sculptra is a newer product which helps your body build its own collagen. Like all medicines, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, but this is extremely rare. Other fillers like juvederm and other ha fillers also have a very low risk of reactions. Best wishes.

Allergy rare filler: Collagen injections are no longer done. We used to do two skin tests and if they were both negative, the patient would have a 1.5 % chance of developing a red bump for months as an allergic reaction to the cow hide collagen. Currently, Restylane (dermal fillers) and juvederm hyaluronic acids are almost unheard of as causing allergic reactions. No skin test is required.

Yes: It is nearly impossible with human skin and therefore this can be used without skin testing. Recent forms of porcine collagen such as evolence did not require testing either. However prior forms of bovine collagen did require skin testing to diminish the risk for an unknown collagen allergic reaction.

Possible: As a general rule we are at risk for allergic reactions to anything we ingest or inject into our bodies. The question becomes whether one is at higher risk than the general population. Before you inject or ingest anything new speak with your physician to assess the risk.

Very high risk: About one third of people will have an allergic reaction to collagen fillers. These are no longer marketed in the usa and have largely been replaced by the much safer and longer lasting ha fillers such as Restylane (dermal fillers) or juvederm.