Many people may have heard the term. "Injecting fresh collagen" Based on information found on social media and in various beauty clinics, the question arises: is this really true?What is fresh collagen? Does it really exist? Some people understand it as injecting collagen directly into the skin to instantly make the face firm, plump, and youthful. But in reality, this term may just be a marketing ploy rather than the actual name of a medical procedure, leading to confusion and misunderstandings about the results. This article will help clarify the matter. What is "fresh collagen injection"? Does it really exist, or is it just a marketing gimmick? We will explain everything in an easy-to-understand way before you decide to undergo any procedure.
Main Idea
- Fresh collagen injection refers to injecting concentrated extracts from mesotherapy or skin nutrients into the superficial layers of the skin. These act as precursors and catalysts, stimulating the skin to produce new collagen naturally.
- Fresh collagen and collagen-stimulating agents often differ in the type of medication, mechanism of action, injection site, time to see results, duration of results, and suitability for individuals.
- The groups of fresh collagen products that are approved by the Thai FDA and are considered safe include PN/PDRN, Non-crosslinked HA, and Mesotherapy cocktails.
Injecting fresh collagen is...
Before we delve into what collagen injections are, it's important to understand what "fresh collagen" is. Fresh collagen is collagen that has undergone a natural extraction and separation process without high-temperature boiling or molecular breakdown. This allows the molecular structure to remain a complete triple helix, identical to the collagen found naturally beneath the skin, preserving its ability to retain moisture and rapidly rejuvenate the skin.
The term "fresh collagen injection" is a marketing term used for advertising and attracting attention, because medically speaking, it is not possible to inject fresh collagen fibers directly into the skin. Going back about 30-40 years, the medical field used collagen extracted from cows and pigs for injection to fill in wrinkles, but this was discontinued because of the risk of severe allergic reactions and rapid degradation.
Therefore, when referring to "fresh collagen," it may mean injecting concentrated extracts from mesotherapy or skin nutrients into the superficial layers of the skin. These act as precursors and catalysts, stimulating the skin to produce new collagen on its own. This results in a radiant, dewy complexion, tighter pores, and brighter skin.
The difference between "fresh collagen" and "collagen-stimulating collagen".
| section | Injecting fresh collagen (mesotherapy/skin nourishment) | Collagen stimulating group (Sculptra / AestheFill) |
| medicine | Small-molecule hyaluronic acid (HA) mixed with vitamins, amino acids, or PN/PDRN (extracted from salmon DNA, such as Rejuran). | PLLA, PDLLA, or CaHA particles are not ready-made collagen, but rather substances that instruct the body to produce new collagen. |
| Mechanism of operation | The ingredients instantly fill the gaps beneath the skin and support the skin's structure, keeping it firm. | The substance acts as a precursor, stimulating fibroblast cells to accelerate the long-term production of new collagen and elastin on their own. |
| Injection area | Inject superficially, distributing it evenly across the face (epidermis or upper dermis layer). | Injecting into the deep dermis (or subcutaneous layer) to rebuild skin structure. |
| The results obtained | The skin looks dewy and radiant, with a clear, plump appearance. Pores appear tighter, and acne marks are visibly faded (focusing on external skin improvement). | The skin becomes firmer and more elastic, and deep wrinkles are reduced, making the face look younger. |
| Duration of results | Within 2-3 days after injection. | The effects become noticeable after 1-3 months. |
| Duration of the effect | 2-4 weeks, but more frequent injections may be needed, at least once a month. | 1-2 years |
| Suitable for whom? | For individuals who need clearer skin quickly, have dry and dull skin, and whose makeup doesn't stay on. | Older individuals experience sagging skin, a gaunt face, thinner skin, and a loss of elasticity. |
Which type of product is considered "fresh collagen" and is safe to use today?
Most beauty clinics advertise fresh collagen, which is a product approved by the FDA and considered safe.
PN/PDRN Group The ingredients are extracted from salmon or trout DNA and focus on repairing damaged skin cells, restoring their strength, and stimulating the skin to rapidly produce new collagen. They also give the skin a dewy, glass-like glow. Examples include Rejuran (a Korean brand) which focuses on achieving a glass-skin look, minimizing pores, and reducing acne redness; Plinest (an Italian brand) which focuses on deep skin regeneration, increasing elasticity, significantly reducing fine lines, and minimizing swelling; and PhilArt (a European brand) which focuses on repairing dry, sun-damaged skin and restoring strength to sensitive skin.
Non-crosslinked HA group These are small-molecule, lightweight, and non-clumping dermal fillers designed to retain moisture in the skin, resulting in a plump, hydrated appearance and smoother pores, similar to the effect of foundation. Examples include Belotero Revive (the green-box filler from Switzerland), which contains HA and Glycerol for a glowing, hydrated look; Juvéderm Volite (an American brand), a lightweight gel filler injected to hydrate, soften, and address enlarged pores; and Skinvive by Juvéderm, which focuses on restructuring the upper skin layers for a smoother, fuller, more natural-looking complexion with improved light reflection.
Mesotherapy cocktail group This involves a blend of over 50 types of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, similar to providing the skin with a "fast food" supplement. It brightens the complexion, reduces dark spots and acne scars, and revitalizes tired skin. Examples include FILLMED NCTF 135HA, a popular mesotherapy product from France containing over 59 skin nutrients, ideal for those who stay up late and have dull skin; CytoCare, known for hydrating the skin, reducing dark circles under the eyes, and brightening the complexion, giving it a healthy pinkish glow; and Neuraderm, a mesotherapy product from Korea with concentrated skin nutrients, focusing on antioxidant properties, evening out skin tone, and giving the skin a radiant glow.
Warning: Do not purchase fresh collagen from unreliable sources, online channels, or unlicensed practitioners. The product may be counterfeit, contain liquid silicone, or be unapproved by the FDA. Injecting these could cause lumps, hardening, and inflammation.
summarize
Collagen injection involves injecting concentrated mesotherapy-based extracts or skin nutrients into the superficial layers of the skin to stimulate the skin to produce new collagen on its own. This differs from collagen-stimulating treatments such as... Sculptra Alternatively, AestheFill can be injected into deeper skin layers and takes longer to see results. Approved and safe fresh collagen products include PN/PDRN (extracted from salmon DNA, such as Rejuran, Plinest, PhilArt), Non-crosslinked HA (such as Belotero Revive, Juvéderm Volite, Skinvive), and mesotherapy cocktails (such as FILLMED NCTF 135HA, CytoCare, Neuraderm). Fresh collagen injections should only be administered at reputable clinics. Purchasing online or from unreliable sources may result in counterfeit products or unapproved substances, potentially leading to serious side effects.
