Artefill - Permanent Anti Wrinkle Solution

by Rahul Rungta

Published on 6/4/07

Article views: 286

For the first time in U.S. history, the FDA has approved a permanent cosmetic filler. Artefill was approved in late 2006 for the correction of naso-labial folds (smile lines.) Safety data shows no significant side effects and minor side effects equal that of placebo.

Artefill is a more purified version of Artecoll, which has been safely used in Canada for many years. But in order to received FDA approval in the U.S., Artes, the maker of Artefill, needed to make the PMMA microspheres (see below) more uniform in size. Artefill therefore is a safer, better product than its Canadian cousin Artecoll.

Although the studies on Artefill show continued improvement in patients five years after their injections, Artefill is expected to last permanently. Like the rest of the face, areas it is injected in will continue to age normally, therefore enhancements may be necessary as more facial volume is lost with aging.

Results are seen immediately after injection and 1-2 treatments are usually required. Other off-label uses that will probably be popular will be injecting the marionette lines (lines between the corners of the mouth and chin) and scar correction.

Artefill contains tiny PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate) microspheres in a purified bovine collagen gel with an anesthetic for comfort during injection. The collagen acts as a carrier for the PMMA and dissolves over several months, leaving the microspheres in your skin. These microspheres provide structure, like scaffolding, that skin will then build its own collagen around. PMMA is one of the most widely used synthetic implant materials in medicine.

Juvederm and Restylane are still the fillers of choice for lips and fine lines and Radiesse is often the best choice for sculpting and plumping cheeks. Artefill may be the new treatment of choice for smile lines (the lines between the nose and corners of the mouth) when permanent correction is desired. Artefill can also be used to plump up marrionette lines (the lines and depressions below the mouth), fill in scars and smooth out depressions and crooked contours on noses (the LunchTime Nose Job). Artefill is also often used in combination with Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse, Botox and laser rejuvenation treatments, such as Fraxel, IPL and V-Beam for comprehensive, no downtime rejuvenation.

Treatments typically last 10-20 minutes and are usually painless. Depending on the areas treated, more than one syringe may be needed to create the desired results. Enhancements are recommended 1-3 months after the initial treatment to fine-tune results. These may require only the smaller 0.4 cc syringe.

Some preparation is necessary before an Artefill treatment. You must be skin tested 4 weeks prior to your treatment to screen for allergy to bovine collagen. Some physicians, including myself, recommend 2 skin tests, 2 weeks apart. It is also recommended to wait at least 6 months after you have had a temporary filler placed in the same area, to give it a chance to dissolve, leaving room for the new filler. To reduce the risk of bruising you should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E and similar medications for 1-2 weeks before your treatment. Taking Arnica Montana, a natural oral medication the day of your treatment and for several days after your treatment helps reduce bruising and swelling.

After injection, some common, temporary, injection-related reactions might occur: tenderness, redness, itching, bruising, bumps, pain or swelling. These typically resolve within a few days. Rare potential side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps, abscesses and granulomas, which are usually treatable.

No special care is needed after treatment, however you should not massage the area on the day of your treatment, as this may displace the gel. Exaggerated facial expression during the first 24 hours may also displace the gel, so avoid prolonged laughing, playing musical instruments with your mouth and sleeping on your face. Cold packs for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours until bedtime on the day of your treatment helps to reduce swelling & bruising.

Since results with Artefill are probably permanent you should only have this treatment if you desire permanent results. Depending on who you go to, there is the possibility you could have a permanent bump or other undesirable result. Do your research and make sure you are treated by an experienced injector who is also artistic with her or his technique. Ask to see before and after photos of other patients and go to someone who is a specialist in aesthetic medicine (dermatologists, plastic surgeons and head and neck surgeons usually have the most experience with cosmetic injections.) If the treatment you do not desire a permanent implant, Juvederm, Radiesse or Restylane may be preferable. If you have never used a cosmetic filler, I recommend trying one of these temporary fillers first before having a permanent filler.

Dr. Klein has won several awards and has published several articles in medical journals. She has lectured to other physicians at medical conferences and at numerous community and civic organizations.

For more information about Artefill visit at http://www.skin1.com/artefill.html

Rahul Rungta is business manager. Email:articles@submit2please.com

Bookmark it:

Rate this article:

» Most viewed in Articles on Skin care

» Latest articles

» Highest rated articles

The Effects of Sun on your Skin
Your best oily against premature aging is the daily use of a good sunscreen. The higher the SPF (sun protection factor), the oilier the cream generally is. So if you're prone to breakouts stick to SPF 15 or lower or try a gel formula.
Fraxel Laser Rejuvenation
The Fraxel laser treatment (FLT) is a revolutionary way to reverse the signs of aging. It is the most powerful and effective no-down-time anti-aging laser ever developed. This non-surgical procedure smoothes wrinkles and erases scars brown spots, and stimulates the production of smoother, healthier looking skin with minimal to no down time.
Aroma Qualitative Skin Care Product
Skin care products fetch a good demand in the market among the customer. Huge number of skin care products has been innovated specially to meet the customer requirement in the world.
Artefill - Permanent Anti Wrinkle Solution
Artefill may be the new treatment of choice for smile lines when permanent correction is desired says Dr. Lorrie Klein, Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology. Its the first time in U.S. history, the FDA has approved a permanent cosmetic filler.
Rosacea
By rosacea there are dilated blood vessels and inflammation in the skin. Often there is also infection in the affected area. Here are symptoms, causes and treatment options explained.

Fraxel Laser Rejuvenation
The Fraxel laser treatment (FLT) is a revolutionary way to reverse the signs of aging. It is the most powerful and effective no-down-time anti-aging laser ever developed. This non-surgical procedure smoothes wrinkles and erases scars brown spots, and stimulates the production of smoother, healthier looking skin with minimal to no down time.
Artefill - Permanent Anti Wrinkle Solution
Artefill may be the new treatment of choice for smile lines when permanent correction is desired says Dr. Lorrie Klein, Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology. Its the first time in U.S. history, the FDA has approved a permanent cosmetic filler.
Rosacea
By rosacea there are dilated blood vessels and inflammation in the skin. Often there is also infection in the affected area. Here are symptoms, causes and treatment options explained.
Aroma Qualitative Skin Care Product
Skin care products fetch a good demand in the market among the customer. Huge number of skin care products has been innovated specially to meet the customer requirement in the world.
The Effects of Sun on your Skin
Your best oily against premature aging is the daily use of a good sunscreen. The higher the SPF (sun protection factor), the oilier the cream generally is. So if you're prone to breakouts stick to SPF 15 or lower or try a gel formula.

The Mysteries of SEO
SEO, or search engine optimization, is the most important element in building a successful website. Most people online have heard the term SEO and have some idea of what is involved yet it remains a mysterious process to many.
How can Your SEO Keywords make Money?
As you likely know by now, there is a big difference between effective, quality website content, and search engine optimized (SEO) website content that will obtain the highest ranks in search engines and directories such as Google, Yahoo!, and MSN.
How to write your first Ebook?
One of the most excellent ways to build your online income is by writing and distributing Ebooks. Ebooks can be a very helpful tool for marketing your business and they can also be big money makers.
Top 10 Photo Recovery Tips
Perhaps you have a capacious memory card. Maybe you simply trust the technology of your latest digital gizmo to forever shield your data from harm.
3 Rules to Follow in Your Logo Design
When designing your own logo or getting it done by logo design professionals, ensure the following three basic rules and you will have a great and memorable corporate identity.

Reiki and how it can help you Heal
Reiki is a valuable healing tool which involves the practitioner placing his or her hands on the client without actually manipulating the body in any way. This makes Reiki an ideal healing tool for people who suffer from all kinds of conditions, both physical and emotional. This article discusses what is involved in a Reiki session and what training a Reiki practitioner undergoes.
A History of Vintage Automobiles - From 1916 to 1924
Before cars were around, people usually traveled distances using horse-drawn carriages. But as early as 1335 several bright minds have been trying to come up with a 'horseless carriage'.
Common mistakes before starting a website
If you want your website to be a big hit then you need to avoid some common mistakes before starting one. Here you have a list of pitfalls that are designed for beginner and for many established ones too. Check out the common mistakes that have to be avoided for sure!
How to Create a MySpace Layout
Creating a MySpace layout might seem tricky when you think about it but it is actually pretty easy. Here's a few steps that will help you in designing myspace templates.
Ecommerce Checkout - Make Them Register
The world of ecommerce is expanding daily as more and more retailers take their business to the web in the hopes of attracting a percentage of those ever finicky web shoppers. As the amount of businesses open up ecommerce shops online, the amount of web development companies is also growing, offering ecommerce solutions for even the smallest of budgets. It is important that web developers understand the dynamics of the checkout process when discussing the options with the client.