Clinical use of injectable collagen. A three-year retrospective review.

Collagen implants (Zyderm) have found extensive applications in the adjunctive management of the aging face and in the primary treatment of cutaneous defects resulting from acne, trauma, or prior surgery. Our initial clinical experience from 1979 to 1982 involving more than 300 patients is analyzed for treatment efficacy, duration, and untoward responses. A majority of our patients are clearly pleased. Likewise, our confidence has increased as our experience evolved. Positive skin tests number 3.5% and delayed hypersensitivity reactions 1.3%. We have found injectable collagen relatively easy to use as well as safe and effective. Further research may enable prolonged results.