Wrinkle Treatment with ArteFill

The search for the ideal dermal filler has led to the development of ArteFill. This semi permanent dermal filler has been widely used in Europe and has only just been approved for use in the USA. It has been recommended for use in the treatment of wrinkles and lines.

ArteFill is made up of a combination of bovine collagen and polymethylmethacrylate microspheres (PMMA) plus a local anesthetic.

The collagen in ArteFill provides the support for the skin and the PMMA microspheres integrate and cross link the surrounding tissues to add strength and rigidity to the tissues. Some even claim that PMMA can also stimulate the body to increase collagen production and thus provides long lasting skin support.

When ArteFill is injected, the collagen remains in the body for a few months and then is reabsorbed by the body. The PMMA microspheres then stimulate more collagen production and provide a firm foundation for the new collagen. The PMMA crystals provide a semi permanent support for the surrounding tissues. This decreases the wrinkles and lines on the skin and prevents further development of wrinkles.

Because the PMMA crystals are integrated into the surrounding tissues and do not degrade, they provide a more permanent support of the skin.

ArteFill injections are done as an outpatient in an office or clinic. The face is cleaned and the area of the wrinkles is marked. ArteFill already contains a local anesthetic and thus the injections are not very painful. ArteFill is injected and a partial correction of the wrinkles in done on the first attempt. A touch up is required later on. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes.

Most individuals require 2-3 sessions of treatment, spaced over a 3-6 week period. Unlike other fillers, ArteFill does not cause immediate bumps on the skin as only a partial correction is done at each session.

Because of the presence of bovine collagen, all individual require pretesting for allergy. Once a test sample is injected, there is a waiting period of about 4 weeks to determine if there is an allergic response. Anyone who is found to be allergic is not a candidate for ArteFill.

The major side effects of ArteFill include:

- swelling

- bumps

- pain

- bruising

- Granulomas

Most of these side effects subside with time

The major complication of ArteFill is technical. Because it is a semi permanent filler, any mistake made during injection, can not easily be corrected and permanent disfigurement may occur.

Because ArteFill is semi permanent, it is best suited for individuals who have already undergone temporary dermal fillers injections and are more realistic of what to expect.

The results of ArteFill last anywhere from 4-6 years.

ArteFill is not a cheap undertaking and the cost for 1 cc syringe is about $1500-2000. On average most individuals require anywhere from 0-5-1cc.

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