from the Summer 2007 issue
Currently, one of the hottest areas in cosmetic dermatology is the development of dermal fillers that last longer than the popular hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. The HA fillers, Restylane® and Juvéderm™ being the best known, last up to six months and one year respectively. There are a number of dermal fillers, currently in development or awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, that hope to push well past the six- to 12-month mark and do it safely. Today, ArteFill® is the first and only FDA-approved, non-resorbable (often referred to as permanent) wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines (nasolabial folds).
How is ArteFill different from other dermal fillers? If you have previously used temporary dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and collagen, then you know they are eventually absorbed by the body and require repeat injections to maintain correction. With ArteFill, its unique polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres are not absorbed by the body and provide enduring support for long-lasting wrinkle correction.
ArteFill contains 20 percent PMMA and 80 percent bovine-collagen gel with 0.3 percent lidocaine, an anesthetic. We inject ArteFill below the crease or wrinkle to plump it out. The bovine collagen plumps the skin immediately but is reabsorbed by the body in about a month. However, the microspheres remain behind to provide the permanent support your skin needs to maintain the correction long term. As the bovine collagen gradually disappears, your own collagen builds up around the microspheres. Most people need a second treatment three months after the initial injection to obtain optimal correction of the wrinkle.
How long will ArteFill last? So far the answer is up to five years according to a follow-up study of 145 patients who were treated with ArteFill in the original U.S. FDA clinical trial. According to recently-released results, ArteFill showed statistically significant improvement in patient wrinkle correction five years after the patient’s last ArteFill treatment. It also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in wrinkle correction at the five-year point compared to the six-month evaluation period in the original study.
As part of the follow-up study, physician investigators and patients were asked to assess the ArteFill treatment. Over 90 percent of the physicians rated the treatment either completely or very successful, while over 90 percent of the patients were either very satisfied or satisfied. These results have been submitted to the FDA for review so that ArteFill can be labeled with a longer efficacy period.
How do you get started? First, we ask you to come in for a consultation with Dr. Bruce to see if ArteFill is right for you. If it is, a simple skin test is performed that day to be sure that you are not allergic to the bovine collagen or anesthetic. If the test is negative, you may undergo your initial facial treatment a month later.
What are the risks? Side effects are infrequent. However, as with any injectable filler, you can expect mild swelling and reddening at the treatment site. These side effects usually resolve within 24 hours. Occasionally, there is mild bruising that typically disappears in three to seven days. Less common side effects include rash and itching more than 48 hours after treatment, persistent swelling or redness, and increased sensitivity at some or all injection sites. Two other rare potential side effects of all dermal fillers are lumps and granulomas, both of which can be treated if they occur.
If you want to try the dermal filler that bills itself as “the first to last”, call 713.850.0240 and press 2 to schedule your initial consultation.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |