Collagen-boosting treatments and what happens under the skin: understanding the process and when to expect results
Collagen-boosting treatments and what happens under the skin
Patients often expect instant results from a collagen-boosting treatment – changing up their exterior aesthetic just like makeup, visible by the weekend. In reality, the most significant changes happen gradually as skin rebuilds itself from within. Collagen is generally understood as the ingredient behind firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin yet what is not widely understood is that many aesthetic treatments do not simply “add” collagen to the skin. Instead, they encourage the skin to begin rebuilding and reorganising its own support structure.
Good things come to those who wait.
This process is known as collagen remodelling, and it is one of the reasons why results from certain skin rejuvenation treatments often improve gradually over time.
“Collagen is part of the skin’s internal scaffolding,” says Dr Alek Nikolic, owner of the Dr Alek Nikolic practice, and specialist in aesthetic medicine. “As we age, that scaffolding becomes weaker and less organised, which contributes to laxity, fine lines, crepiness, and a change in overall skin quality.”
The controlled trigger that starts the process
Collagen remodelling begins when the skin receives a controlled, medically guided stimulus. This may come from treatments such as Dermapen MD microneedling, Profhilo, or collagen biostimulator fillers, depending on the patient’s skin, age, concern and treatment plan.
The keyword is controlled. The aim is to trigger a precise repair response. Once this response begins, the body sends signals to the treatment area, activating cells such as fibroblasts, which are involved in producing collagen, elastin and other structural components of healthy skin.
“In aesthetic medicine, we are working with the body’s own repair systems,” explains Dr Nikolic. “The treatment creates the signal, but the improvement depends on how the skin responds and rebuilds over time, which is why chasing instant results often leads to disappointment.”
This is why collagen-focused treatments are rarely about instant transformation. While some patients may notice early improvements in glow, hydration or mild tightening, the deeper remodelling process happens over weeks and months. New collagen needs time to form, mature and reorganise. As it does, skin may gradually appear firmer, smoother and more resilient.
How the three collagen remodelling methods differ
- Microneedling uses fine needles to create controlled micro-channels in the skin, encouraging a repair response that can support texture, pores and overall skin quality.
- Profhilo works beneath the skin as a hyaluronic acid-based injectable treatment that supports hydration and stimulates dermal cells.
- Collagen biostimulator fillers are used in selected cases to encourage collagen production while improving support over time.
Why this is not a one-size-fits-all
“Collagen remodelling is not a one-size-fits-all process,” adds Dr Nikolic. “A younger patient with early texture changes may need a very different approach from someone experiencing skin laxity or facial volume changes.” Skin type, medical history, lifestyle, downtime, budget and the degree of ageing all influence the treatment plan.
Ultimately, collagen remodelling supports the skin from within. It allows practitioners to work with the biology of the skin, encouraging gradual improvement in strength, texture and resilience.
As Dr Nikolic explains: “Natural-looking rejuvenation means understanding what is happening beneath the skin, and guiding it to function better over time.”
ENDS
Dr Alek Nikolic is a renowned specialist in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. With a focus on skin care, skin ingredients, and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers, he has performed over 20 000 procedures to date. He is responsible for training many medical practitioners both locally and internationally.
After receiving his MBBCh from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1992, he went on to complete an MBA at the University of Cape Town in 2000. With over 24 years in private practice, he has lectured and performed live demonstrations across the globe, including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw.
Some of his achievements include:
Owner of Dr Alek Nikolic
Owner of online skincare store, SkinMiles.com
Owner and formulator of Skin Ingredients (sk.in): https://skiningredients.com/
Founding member of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy
Advisor to Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics
EXCO Member of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA)
Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS)
