Best Hospitals for Collagen Injection in New York City in 2025

Collagen injection has become a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City, offering a non - surgical way to reduce wrinkles, enhance lips, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. But with numerous options available, it can be a challenge to determine which hospital or provider offers the best results. In this article, we will explore top places for collagen injection in New York City, understand the procedure, its benefits, risks, and also offer tips on sun protection which is crucial for skin health post - procedure.

Understanding Collagen Injections

What is Collagen?

Collagen is an essential protein complex found in the human body. Its molecules form fibrils that create necessary fibers, providing the foundation for tissue formation. Collagen plays a vital role in supporting the skin, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. As we age, the production of collagen in our body decreases, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of volume in the face.

Types of Collagen Fillers

There are two main types of collagen fillers:

Human Collagen Fillers: These are much like the collagen found in the skin. Manufacturers of this type of collagen filler include Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast.
Bovine - based or Mammal - based Collagen Fillers: For example, Zyderm and Zyplast are natural substances derived from purified bovine collagen. They essentially replace the collagen lost by the skin over time when injected.

Ideal Candidates

Candidates for collagen injections are typically between 35 and 60 years old. However, people who should not receive collagen injections include those who are pregnant or nursing, individuals with allergies to bovine products or lidocaine, or those with certain medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases.

Top Providers for Collagen Injection in New York City

Individual Doctors

Doctor's Name	Specialty	Years of Experience	Location	Reviews
Ron Shelton, MD	Dermatologic Surgeon, Board - Certified in Dermatology	31 years	317 E. 34th St., New York, New York	“I feel so fortunate to have found dr. Shelton. He performed mohs surgery on my face 3 months ago...”
Nelson Lee Novick, MD	Dermatologic Surgeon, Board - Certified in Dermatology	49 years	500 E 85th St., New York, New York	“I called for an appointment for a subcision consultation and dr. Novick was kind enough to call me back...”
Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS	Board - Certified Plastic Surgeon	16 years	1040 Park Ave., New York, New York	“I had previously had rhinoplasty with dr. Reish and my experience was incredible. I had my breast...”
Andrew Miller, MD	Board - Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon	25 years	150 E. 61st St., New York, New York	“Dr Miller and his staff are amazing! I had a rhinoplasty done 10/2/2024 and my results are incredible...”
Andrew Jacono, MD	Board - Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon	22 years	630 Park Ave., New York, New York	“One of the best decisions I made in my life was choosing dr. Andrew Jacono. I have much more self - confidence...”
Matthew Schulman, MD	Board - Certified Plastic Surgeon	24 years	62 E. 88th St., New York City, New York	“I had my bbl surgery on May 11 and I am happy so far! I had liposuction on my flanks, lower back and...”
Michael Constantin Gartner, DO	Board - Certified Plastic Surgeon	22 years	122 East 64th St., New York, New York	“I met with doctor Micheal G for a consultation for breast augmentation. He is so nice and explained...”

Clinics and Centers

Emer Medical Cosmetic Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, and Liposculpture of New York: Located at 57 W. 57th St., New York, New York. This facility offers a range of cosmetic treatments including collagen injections.
Allure Plastic Surgery - Manhattan: Situated at 150 E. 61st St., New York, New York. Patients have reported great experiences here, such as getting silk fillers under the eyes with amazing results.
Gartner Plastic Surgery and Laser Center - New York: At 42a E. 74th St., New York, New York. It is known for providing various plastic surgery and laser - related services, including collagen injection procedures.
NYC Dermatology: Under the supervision of board - certified dermatologist Dr. Gary Rothfeld. It offers collagen implantation along with a wide array of other services like chemical peels, vein injections, and laser treatments. The address is 30 E. 60th St. Ste. 805, Manhattan, New York 10022.

The Collagen Injection Procedure

Pre - procedure

Before the injection, a pre - treatment allergy test is usually required, especially for bovine - based collagen fillers. The doctor will carefully select the injection points, which are "scored" with a marking pencil. An antiseptic is also applied to the area.

During the Procedure

Collagen injections are typically performed in the doctor's office. Most of the time, they are done without anesthesia, although the collagen filler itself contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic. The doctor decides on the correct amount of collagen to be used and injects it into the marked points beneath the skin. Some patients may experience minimal discomfort from the needle injection. The procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the extent of treatment.

Post - procedure

Immediately after the procedure, wrinkles or depressed scars are significantly improved. In some cases, the treated area may initially appear overfilled, but this will dissipate soon to produce a more natural - looking appearance. Results are fully evident within one week. However, collagen fillers do not necessarily result in 100 percent improvements, nor are the results permanent. They may last from two to three months, and repeat treatments every 3 - 6 months are usually required.

Recovery

After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within 48 hours. The treated area may appear red for the first 24 hours and may last up to a week. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, but patients are advised to stay out of the sun. Any unmanageable pain or abnormal symptoms should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Complications and Risks of Collagen Injections

As with any medical procedure, there are possible complications associated with collagen injections. However, they are typically minimal. Some of the potential complications include:

Uneven Texture of the Skin: This may occur if the collagen is not distributed evenly under the skin.
Allergic Reaction: Patients with allergies to the components of the collagen filler may experience an allergic reaction. Pre - treatment allergy testing helps reduce this risk.
Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the injection site. Following proper after - care instructions can minimize this risk.
Abscess: An abscess is a collection of pus that can form if an infection is not treated properly.
Scarring: Although rare, scarring can occur at the injection site.

Alternative and Additional Treatments

While collagen injections remain a viable option, there are other treatments available, and some may be complementary to collagen injections.

Alternative Fillers

The popularity of collagen has waned with the introduction of fillers such as Restylane, which can last longer. Other hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Vollure are also commonly used. Bellafill is a long - lasting filler that can treat medium - to - deep wrinkles and scars, with results lasting up to five years. Radiesse stimulates the body to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid, and results can last up to 18 months. Sculptra requires several treatments but can restore volume and results can last up to two years.

Neuromodulators

Botulinum toxin injections, such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®, are the most common cosmetic procedure in the United States. They work by relaxing overactive muscles and are particularly effective for reducing lines and wrinkles on the face, especially around the forehead and eyebrows.

Surgical Procedures

For more severe conditions, surgical procedures such as facelifts, forehead lifts (brow lifts), and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be more appropriate.

Additional Treatments

Doctors may also recommend additional treatments in conjunction with collagen, such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, or microdermabrasion.

Sun Protection after Collagen Injections

Importance of Sun Protection

Ultraviolet radiation is the major cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. Tanned skin may look "healthy" to some, but it is actually damaged skin. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight penetrates the deepest layers of the skin, harming the cells. The body responds by producing more pigment (melanin) to try to protect itself, but the damage may be permanent. Since the skin is more sensitive after collagen injections, sun protection becomes even more crucial.

Types of Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation is categorized into three types:

UVC Rays (wavelengths = 200 nm to 290 nm): The shortest and most powerful of the UV rays. Most of it is absorbed by the ozone layer, but there is concern that a thinning of the ozone layer may cause more UVC to reach the earth's surface. UVC is the most likely to cause cancer if it reaches the skin.
UVB Rays (wavelengths = 290 nm to 320 nm): Less damaging than UVC, but more of it penetrates to the earth's surface. It is the most common cause of sunburn and skin cancer, and is particularly strong at the equator, at high elevations, and during the summer.
UVA Rays (wavelengths = 320 nm to 400 nm): The least powerful of the UV rays, but they are present all year and can penetrate windows and clouds.

Sun Protection Measures

Avoid Peak Hours of Sunlight

UV rays are generally the greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is best to avoid the outdoors during these hours without protection, especially during summer, in tropical regions, or at altitude. You can check the ultraviolet (UV) index, which is like a weather forecast, to get an accurate measure of the amount of UV rays in your area. The UV index changes daily based on factors such as time of year, cloud cover, and atmospheric ozone. A high UV index number means a greater risk of UV radiation exposure.

UV Index Range	Level of Risk
0 to 2	Minimal
3 to 4	Low
5 to 6	Moderate
7 to 9	High
10 or more	Very High

Use Sunscreen

When selecting sunscreen, consider the following factors:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): Sunscreens are rated by their ability to protect from UVB. It is best to use sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15, as higher SPF provides greater protection.
Broad - Spectrum Sunscreens: These can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. They combine ingredients that offer more comprehensive protection compared to the original sunscreens that only blocked UVB.
Sunblocks: "Physical" sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide lie on top of the skin and reflect or scatter UV radiation. Newer "microfine" formulations are less noticeable on the skin and can be effective against both UVA and UVB.
Water Resistance: If you will be participating in water sports or sweating actively, choose a water - resistant or waterproof sunscreen. However, it's still a good idea to reapply sunscreen frequently.

Apply sunscreen evenly and liberally on all sun - exposed skin within 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Also, discard sunscreen that is past its expiration date or over two years old.

Wear Protective Clothing

Not all clothing provides equal protection from the sun. To select effective sun - protective clothing:

Cover your head, shoulders, arms, legs, and feet.
Use a broad - brimmed hat (brim should be at least four inches wide).
Wear thicker or tightly - woven fabrics, as they allow less sunlight to penetrate the skin.
Choose darker - colored clothes that absorb more UV rays.
Opt for clothing made from nylon or dacron, which are more protective than cotton.
Avoid staying in wet clothes, as wet fabric may allow more UV rays to penetrate.
Some clothing comes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. Choose garments with a UPF of at least 15. Note that the UPF of a garment will decrease over time as the fabric wears.

Wear Sunglasses

Overexposure to sunlight can cause cataracts and macular degeneration. Look for sunglasses that block 99% or 100% of UVA and UVB and are large enough to shield your eyes from multiple angles. Check the label to ensure they provide proper UV protection.

Seek Shade

Stay in the shade when possible, but remember that shade does not provide full protection as UV rays can bounce off reflective surfaces like sand, snow, water, and concrete. If using a cloth for shade