Biosynthesis of Collagen

The natural biosynthesis of collagen is one of the main reasons why various cosmetic treatments have so many long-term aesthetic and health benefits for your skin. Dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing procedures all trigger the production of collagen in very different ways, but they produce many of the same results due to this biological process. Understanding the intricate physiology of the dermis- the layer of skin just beneath the surface- is essential to finding the rejuvenation you’ve been looking for.  

At SkinZone Laser & Cosmetic Surgery, we believe that patient education is powerful and allows people to make informed decisions about their bodies. If you would like to learn more about our collagen-boosting treatments, contact Dr. Hannah Vu at one of her offices in Southern California. Call (714) 361-1555 (Santa Ana) or (626) 329-4555 (Alhambra) or reach out to a member of her staff using our online form. Dr. Hannah Vu’s expertise as a cosmetic surgeon with specialized training in anti-aging will guide you toward long-lasting outcomes that serve to amplify your natural beauty. 

All About Collagen 

Collagen is a type of protein that gives the skin a more rigid structure that supports smooth, radiant skin. With the natural aging process and repetitive movement, collagen in the skin can degrade, and the body produces less of it. Although most people associate collagen with the skin, this protein is also a major component found in hair, tendons, bones, and other connective tissues. It accounts for about 25% of the total protein count in humans, so it plays a huge role in our overall health. Another important aspect to note is that there are 29 different types of collagen that research has identified, all serving various purposes. ⁽¹⁾ They are all made of amino acids, organic compounds that also make up the structure of DNA. 

What Are Fibroblasts?

Collagen in the skin is synthesized, or created, by fibroblast cells, the most abundant type of cell found in the dermis. Your body takes protein materials to build collagen from various food sources like meat and certain plants. Each fibroblast cell either creates the collagen intracellularly, or just outside of the cells (extracellularly) with the help of enzymes. Even though proper nutrition is essential for collagen formation, some genetic conditions can interfere with this intricate process. ⁽²⁾  

Besides diet and genetics, factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and lack of sleep or exercise can negatively affect collagen production and the collagen fibers themselves, contributing to premature signs of aging. Even very significant weight loss can cause the skin to experience an imbalance of collagen and elastin, another protein that provides the skin with elastic-like qualities. When people lose a lot of weight, their fat cells atrophy, so the skin isn’t able to recoil normally. 

Signs of Aging 

Treatments that contribute to collagen formation within the skin do not include collagen itself, but they work by stimulating your skin’s natural processes. With the degradation of collagen and many lifestyle or environmental issues, your skin can experience different signs of aging that can make you look aged or tired, such as: 

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Vu will provide you the chance to discuss your specific aesthetic concerns and get a proper evaluation of your skin quality. With just one consultation, Dr. Vu can answer any questions you may have and recommend the best treatment to help restore a more youthful, beautified version of yourself. 

During your first appointment with her, she will thoroughly explain the steps required for the preparation of your chosen treatment and what to expect during recovery. Not only that, but she will detail what you need to do to maximize your results. 

To get started, contact Dr. Vu at her practice in Alhambra at (626) 329-4555 or her Santa Ana location at (714) 361-1555. You can also get in touch by filling out our contact form, and our team will gladly assist you in helping you schedule your consultation. We serve Pasadena, San Marino, Arcadia, San Gabriel, Montebello, Monterey Park, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Glendale, and more in the LA area.  

Dr. Vu’s Recommendation to Boost Collagen Synthesis 

Dr. Vu stays updated on the most recent research concerning skin rejuvenation and takes the time to inform her patients of the latest benefits that have been discovered. For the most natural results that promote overall skin health and collagen synthesis, Dr. Vu recommends Sculptra and PRX Derm Perfexion- each equipped to handle different cosmetic issues. 

Sculptra 

As one of the longest-lasting, FDA-approved dermal fillers, Sculptra is designed to provide natural-looking volume to the cheeks, temples, jawline, and even buttocks. Dr. Vu can apply smaller amounts of Sculptra to resolve smile lines and other deeper, unwanted facial wrinkles. This particular dermal filler is made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible compound that can correct areas of hollowness for up to 2 years! ⁽³⁾ 

Studies have shown dermal filler compounds take up space in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that lies in between skin cells. In the dermis, this results in fibroblast elongation and activation. The filler also serves to increase the transforming growth factor, a molecule that further facilitates collagen production and deposition. ⁽⁴⁾ The science supports that even as the volumizing results begin to fade, it can continue to maintain anti-aging results. 

PRX Derm Perfexion 

PRX Derm Perfexion by Italian brand WiQo contains just 3 simple ingredients to produce the same revitalization as a chemical peel without downtime, irritation, or peeling. It contains: 

Even though Dr. Vu applies Derm Perfexion in a similar way to a chemical peel, it is much more versatile. It not only gives way for healthy skin regeneration that fills in facial wrinkles and folds, but Dr. Vu can apply it to almost any area of the body with stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or large pores. For those desiring the same rejuvenation for their intimate areas, she offers PRX Intima Perfexion, safe for application in sensitive spots like the bikini line or underarms. However, Intima Perfexion has more lightening effects. 

Sculptra Procedure Steps 

For facial or buttock contouring with Sculptra, Dr. Vu will first cleanse the treatment area and apply a topical numbing cream. The compound itself contains lidocaine, another numbing agent, to make the injections more comfortable. Next, she will strategically inject each spot, making sure to gently massage the area so it spreads evenly within the dermis. If you are getting Sculptra for buttock enhancement, the entire procedure will only take about 30 minutes, while smaller areas could take less time. For the buttocks, Dr. Vu will mostly inject the specific spots that require enhancement, but she will administer some to the frame of the treatment area to provide more natural-looking contours and prevent nodules, or lumps, from forming. 

PRX Derm Perfexion Procedure Steps (Skinzone Signature Treatment) 

Before applying PRX Derm Perfexion, Dr. Vu will first make sure to rule out any skin infections or seborrheic dermatitis that could be best treated with another approach. For the procedure itself, she will first cleanse the skin with cotton swabs and apply the WiQo P solution to further prepare the skin. Next, she will prepare the PRX topical serum into a syringe, and distribute it over different spots, spreading the solution evenly. Depending on the cosmetic problems being treated, she may apply more than one layer. To finish up, she will use cotton pads with cold water to rinse the skin. After drying, she will apply WiQo’s moisturizer and an SPF cream for more protection. 

Cost of Sculptra or PRX Derm Perfexion in Alhambra, CA 

The total cost of Sculptra, PRX Derm Perfexion, or any other treatment offered at SkinZone will depend on the size of your treatment area and your expectations for the outcome. Dr. Vu will work to ensure you get a customized experience tailored to your unique needs. At the time of your consultation, she will give you a cost estimate. For those interested in making affordable payments to cover the cost, SkinZone offers financing options from CareCredit and LendingUSA. If you’d like to learn more about the procedure at SkinZone, please read through our blog or book your consultation by calling (626) 329-4555 (Alhambra) or (714) 361-1555 (Santa Ana). If you have any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss, please submit your inquiry online. We serve also Orange County including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Irvine, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and more.

FAQ

References

1. Shenoy M, Abdul NS, Qamar Z, Bahri BMA, Al Ghalayini KZK, Kakti A. Collagen Structure, Synthesis, and Its Applications: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022;14(5). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24856 
2. Wu M, Cronin K, Crane JS. Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/#:~:text=The%20process%20of%20collagen%20synthesis 
3. Ray S, Ta HT. Investigating the Effect of Biomaterials Such as Poly-(l-Lactic Acid) Particles on Collagen Synthesis In Vitro: Method Is Matter. Journal of Functional Biomaterials. 2020;11(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11030051 
4. Quan T, Wang F, Shao Y, et al. Enhancing Structural Support of the Dermal Microenvironment Activates Fibroblasts, Endothelial Cells, and Keratinocytes in Aged Human Skin In Vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013;133(3):658-667. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2012.364