ArteFill

If you're  worried about invasive surgery to remove facial wrinkles, but you're tired of injectable fillers that only last a few months, a new solution to consider is ArteFill. This recently FDA-approved injectable filler is the first and only permanent injectable filler on the market today.

ArteFill, produced by Artes Medical, is an improved version of Artecoll, which has been used in Europe and Canada on more than 400,000 patients during the past 10 years. ArteFill was FDA approved in October 2006 for the treatment of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and has also been used off-label for lip augmentation, acne scars, and other wrinkles.

ArteFill is a gel filler consisting of millions of synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) suspended in purified bovine (cow) collagen. ArteFill also contains the local anesthetic lidocaine to reduce discomfort during injection.

How ArteFill Works
ArteFill is injected directly beneath the wrinkle to add a permanent support structure and
smoothen the area. The synthetic PMMA microspheres in ArteFill are "non-resorbable," which means they are not absorbed into the body or metabolized, allowing ArteFill to last significantly longer than other injectable fillers. The microspheres stimulate the body to generate its own natural collagen to encapsulate each individual microsphere, resulting in 80% of the patient's collagen and 20% microspheres (by volume) to permanently fill in the wrinkle.

As the injected bovine collagen is slowly absorbed during a few weeks, the newly generated collagen replaces it. This slow breakdown and natural replenishment process provides ArteFill with its unique and enduring results. Recently Artes Medical submitted five-year safety and efficacy data from its U.S. clinical trial patients to the FDA in order to expand the product's labeling. The data show a statistically significant improvement of wrinkle correction between six months and five years after the initial injection, which is attributed to the ongoing collagen remodeling process around the PMMA microspheres.

Best Candidates for ArteFill
Men and women of any age may receive ArteFill treatment. Ideal candidates have already tried temporary injections, are injection- and credit card-fatigued, and are sure they want a permanent result. ArteFill is not given to people with allergies to bovine collagen or with chronic skin infections. And it is not recommended for areas of thinner skin (such as crow's feet around the eyes).

ArteFill Treatment
Thirty days before treatment, our doctor will administer a simple allergy skin test for sensitivity to bovine collagen. ArteFill treatment usually requires only 15-20 minutes, but two treatment sessions may be necessary to achieve full wrinkle correction. The treatments are typically performed three to six weeks apart. Before receiving ArteFill, you may first try a temporary filler to confirm your desired result. Be sure to seek advice and treatment only from doctors with sufficient experience in the ArteFill injection technique, as well as other injectable fillers.

Side Effects with ArteFill
Side effects from ArteFill are rare but may include redness, swelling, lumpiness, pain, or sensitivity at the injection site. Some patients may feel a slight firmness after injection, which usually resolves over time.

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