Impact of Collagen Supplements on Dermal Collagen in Plastic and Bariatric Surgery Patients

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18-75 years after metabolic bariatric surgery.
• Patients will be randomly selected from the hospital's electronic patient system.

Exclusion criteria

• 1. Allergies or Sensitivities:

• Patients with known allergies or hypersensitivity to collagen or any components of the collagen supplements (e.g., bovine, marine sources).

• Chronic Skin Conditions:
• Participants with skin disorders that could influence collagen production or degradation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, scleroderma) should be excluded as these conditions might interfere with the study's outcomes.

• Autoimmune or Connective Tissue Diseases:
• Patients with autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) or connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) might exhibit abnormal collagen metabolism and could confound the study's results.

• Use of Collagen or Nutritional Supplements:
• Participants currently taking collagen supplements or other nutritional supplements (e.g., vitamin C, glucosamine, chondroitin) that could affect collagen synthesis or turnover should be excluded. A washout period may be required for those who have recently used such supplements.

• Hormonal Treatments or Medications:
• Patients on treatments that could affect collagen metabolism (e.g., corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy, anabolic steroids) should be excluded, as these could alter the body's collagen production or degradation.

• Pregnancy or Lactation:
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be excluded due to the physiological changes during pregnancy and lactation that could affect collagen metabolism.

• Major Surgeries or Trauma:
• Recent major surgeries or significant trauma within the last 6-12 months, especially those involving connective tissue repair, as these could alter collagen levels independently of supplementation.

• Smoking:
• Smokers or individuals who have recently quit smoking, as smoking is known to reduce collagen synthesis and impair skin healing.

• Chronic Illnesses:
• Patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease, which could impair collagen metabolism or affect skin health.

• Uncontrolled Metabolic Disorders:
• Participants with uncontrolled metabolic disorders (e.g., severe obesity, untreated hyperlipidemia) may have altered collagen metabolism and should be excluded unless specifically studied.

• Participation in Other Clinical Trials:
• Patients currently enrolled in other clinical trials involving supplements, medications, or procedures that could interfere with the study outcomes should be excluded.