ArteFill^® is the first and only non-resorbable (meaning it is not absorbed by the body) dermal filler that is approved by the FDA. Unlike existing dermal fillers that are completely metabolized by the body after a period of time, ArteFill^® represents the first dermal filler that provides a permanent support structure for enduring wrinkle correction. ArteFill^® contains a combination of precision-filtered microspheres suspended in a purified bovine collagen gel. The precision-filtered microspheres are microscopic particles that are produced from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a material that has been used in surgical implants for years.

ArteFill^® has both immediate and long-term effects. Initially, the collagen base of ArteFill^® fills and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and folds. As the collagen in ArteFill^® begins to be absorbed by the body, the microspheres stimulate the body to produce its own natural collagen, which binds with the PMMA microspheres for enduring correction.

ArteFill^® was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States in 2006 for the correction of nasolabial folds. Since that time, it has been used to treat thousands of patients seeking a more permanent solution to their problem with wrinkles on the face.

Although ArteFill^® works well enough to completely correct the appearance of wrinkles in just one treatment, physicians typically prefer to complete the procedure in 2 or more  treatments, usually spaced about 3 months apart, in order to avoid overcorrection. Most  physicians experienced with ArteFill^® will slightly under-correct the wrinkle during the first visit, and evaluate the results after a 3 month period. If more correction is needed or desired at that time, the physician will again administer another, perhaps smaller, amount of the product. The full effect is usually achieved after about 6 months. Since ArteFill^® has some permanent results, it is very important to select a physician who has a great deal of dermal filler injection experience with ArteFill^® or a similar long-lasting dermal filler. 

ArteFill^® requires a skin test to determine if patients are allergic to bovine collagen. The test is performed by the physician 30 days prior to the procedure. The most common adverse events associated with ArteFill^® injections, similar to those observed with other dermal fillers, are bruising, redness and swelling.  Consult your physician for a complete list of side effects and to determine if ArteFill^® is right for you.

(Related topics:  Wrinkle Correction - Facial Contouring - How to Extend Results - Physician Selection Tips - Find a Physician - What are the Risks - Get Answers)

ArteFill^® is a registered trademark of Artes Medical, Inc.

Contributing Physicians:

Paul Drago, MD, Charlotte, NC   ~   Ayoub Sayeg, MD, Troy, MI