Chicago ArteFill doctors

	Karol A. Gutowski, MD Chicago Plastic Surgeon Northbrook		6 answers
	Eugene Mandrea, MD Chicago Dermatologist 3000 N. Halsted Suite 801, Chicago		3 answers
	Otto Joseph Placik, MD Chicago Plastic Surgeon 880 W Central Rd Suite 3100, Arlington Heights		3 answers
	Daniel J. Ritacca, MD Chicago Oculoplastic Surgeon 230 Center Dr., Vernon Hills		2 answers
	Jonith Breadon, MD Chicago Dermatologic Surgeon 1009 W. Fulton Market, Chicago		1 answer

Recent Answers

Artefill Injection Site Still Red After 2 Months- Normal? I had Artefill injected into a facial scar several times. The final time, the area became red. The area has gotten redder with time. Today, 2 months post-injection, the doctor noted the area was inflamed, and this was unusual. He performed a pulsed-dye laser on the same area. I was also given desonate and told to contact him after 2 weeks. I'm very worried something is wrong. The doctor did not explain why the area is still red and inflamed. Is this the start of a serious complication?

A: Redness after Artefill Injection

Redness could be an allergic reaction or an infection. Based on what you describe, it sounds like your doctor is considering a skin reaction to be the problem. If this continues to get worse, your doctor may consider treating it as an infection. Since you've had multiple treatments, there is possibility of a biofilm infection which requires special microbiology cultures and a longer course of antibiotics. Make sure you keep your doctor aware of the situation.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Artefill Lumps: Can CO2 Laser Help? I had Artefill injected into my tear troughs (Intra-orbital rim hollows) 15 months ago. It was a traumatic experience. After all of the initial swelling subsided I was left with telangiectasia matting which gave me the appearance of two permanent black and blue eyes. I had this lasered which improved the color.

Over time now I have become asymetrical. One side looks great but the other is left with a lump. Due to all the discussion of the permanency of the product and my continual aging (I am 34 now) I am concerned that this lump will become more apparent.

I do not want to have the lump surgically excised but would consider fractional CO2 if it were to improve or smooth out the texture. Please let me know your thoughts.

A: Artefill Lumps: Can CO2 Laser help?

Artefill is injected UNDER the skin.

The CO2 Laser, traditional or fractionated, helps with scars WITHIN the skin or ABOVE the skin. Thus, it is of no value in treating your conidition.

Your condition may be improved by having the portion of the Artefill that causes the lump removed. This may necessitate more than one procedure.

I recommend that you consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic Surgeon.

Eugene Mandrea, MD

Chicago Dermatologist

Can Artefill Improve over Time? I saw my doctor today. I had an injection of Artefill in the Radix of the nose. It has been 4 months now. I wanted to get another injection to fill it a little bit more, like 2 mi limiters or 1, that's all it needs. She told me to wait another 4 months to make sure I wont be wasting money for nothing since I won't need a full syringe of Artefill, and to let the Artefill settle in a bit more. My question is can Artefill improve past the 4 months ?

A: Can Artefill Improve over time?

Artefill is a permanent filler.

It is important not to reinject too soon, especially in a small area such as the radix of your nose.

I would wait at least 6 months before reinjecting.

Eugene Mandrea, MD

Chicago Dermatologist