ArteFill is an injectable dermal filler, which received FDA approval for nasolabial folds, or smile lines, in October 2006. This gel based filler is composed of microspheres of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), which are held within bovine collagen. Apart from this, ArteFill also consists of lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, aimed at reducing any pain or discomfort patients might feel during the injection.
ArteFill is a permanent dermal filler, which means it provides permanent support to wrinkle lines. This is possible because unlike other dermal fillers, the microspheres within ArteFill do not get absorbed into the body, helping the skin retain its smooth exterior for long periods. In addition, as the bovine collagen is absorbed into the body, ArteFill stimulates the production of natural collagen. This process encapsulates each microsphere.
Combined Treatments
Some of the common treatments that ArteFill is combined with include Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane and Perlane. ArteFill can also be combined with other procedures such as face lifts or eye lifts, in order to get enhanced results.
Botulinum toxin type A, or Botox, is a protein which is injected into areas surrounding the forehead, mouth and eyes. It is used to fill crow's feet, frown or worry lines and even the lines on the neck. It is also used to relieve migraine headaches and eye or neck spasms.
Restylane is a gel based filler, which is used to smooth wrinkles, enhance face contours and fill out lips. Consisting of hyaluronic acid, which is also found in the body naturally, Restylane binds with water readily and remains under the skin for several months.
Juvederm is also a gel based filler, similar to Restylane and is also used to remove skin folds, or wrinkles.
How ArteFill Is Different
The nasolabial fold is constantly in motion during activities such as eating, smiling and talking, which means that the fillers in these areas get worn out faster. Most dermal fillers consist of elements which are absorbed by the body, but the microspheres within ArteFill are not absorbed by the skin, retaining the results for many years.
Radiesse is a dermal filler which contains microspheres similar to those in ArteFill, but they only last for about two years, which is significantly less than the duration of results showcased by ArteFill. Artefill has other restrictions regarding usage, unlike most other dermal fillers. It cannot be used on thin skin, such as eyelids, or to correct crow's feet. Patients will also need to be tested for sensitivity to bovine collagen and lidocaine, which is done 30 days before the treatment.
In some cases, ArteFill does not contain lidocaine. Instead, a topical anesthetic is spread over the area being treated, and then the filler is injected. Patients will be able to see immediate results in the case of depressed areas, which will be raised above normal skin level. They might also feel a mild stinging in the area for a couple of days after the treatment. Since the filler is permanent, it has to be removed surgically if a patient does not like the results.
