ArteFill is an alternative to dermal fillers that require repeated injections to maintain results. Facial injections of dermal fillers are known to give desirable results. But the downside for you and your wallet is that these results typically fade over time. You need repeated treatments to maintain the youthful, wrinkle-free look you desire, which can be expensive and impractical if you have a busy schedule. ArteFill mirrors the effects of other fillers without needing continuous maintenance.
Life and Activities after ArteFill
Strenuous activities like sports and exercise should be avoided for a few days after treatment, but beyond that restriction, there is little to no recovery time needed and daily activity can be resumed almost immediately. The treatment can be administered in less than an hour, and you will be able to return to work or school right away. This makes it an attractive option for those who are put off by the recovery time and pain associated with more intense procedures. You will likely have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to evaluate your results.
Side Effects Post-ArteFill
If you are allergic to bovine collagen or anesthetic, you may have a harsh reaction to ArteFill. A skin test is administered before treatment to determine if an allergic reaction is likely. ArteFill treatments are considered more painful than those of other dermal fillers because a larger-gauge needle is used. Side effects include swelling, redness, pain and occasional bruising at the injection site. Some patients have reported firmness at the injection site. These effects are all usually temporary and clear up on their own within a few weeks following treatment. Rarely, there may be lumpiness or granulomas at the injection site. If this happens to you, report it to your doctor immediately, as these conditions can be treated.
Treatments Used to Maintain ArteFill Results
After the initial one or two treatments, no further injections of ArteFill are needed to guarantee results. It can be safely combined with other temporary dermal fillers such as Radiesse and Restylane. It is also safe to use tightening substances like Botox or Juvederm after your ArteFill treatment. These other injections may be able to correct and smooth areas of the face that ArteFill has not been approved for, such as the brow line. ArteFill is currently only approved for use on the nasolabial folds, although it has been used on other areas of the face and hands without any reported complications.
Permanence of ArteFill Results
You can expect your ArteFill results to last for many years. ArteFill contains "microsphere" beads that support the skin and provide a structure to be filled in by your body's own collagen. The microspheres are synthetic, made from polymethylmethacrylate (or PMMA), and cannot be absorbed by the body. ArteFill's claim is that these microspheres stimulate the body to produce collagen, so it will essentially maintain itself by continuously providing this stimulation. It is important to note that once the microspheres have been injected, they are considered permanent and only surgery can remove them.
