The treatment of soft tissue defects with injectable collagen.

Two forms of highly purified bovine dermal collagen (Zyderm I and II Collagen Implant) are currently in widespread clinical use for the treatment of dermal soft tissue defects. These materials, which closely resemble human collagen, are administered via injection in a series of outpatient treatments. With successive injections, small amounts of collagen are deposited to fill areas deficient in soft tissue. A review of the literature indicates that these materials can be used safely and effectively to correct certain scars, age-related wrinkles, areas of steroid atrophy, and small surgical defects.