Seattle ArteFill doctors

	Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS Seattle Plastic Surgeon 1135 116th Ave. NE Suite 630, Bellevue		8 answers
	William Portuese, MD Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon 1101 Madison St Suite 1280, Seattle		1 answer
	Anifat Balogun, MD Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon 1551 NW 54th Street Ste 101, Seattle		1 answer
	George Marosan, MD Bellevue Plastic Surgeon 11820 Northup Way Suite E190, Bellevue
	Sam Naficy, MD Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon 1110 112th Ave NE Suite 150, Bellevue

Recent Answers

Can Artefill Fill the Empty Pocket Once Chin Implant is Removed? I had a chin implant procedure done a couple of years ago, and recently had it replaced. After I had it replaced, I was still dissatisfied with the results. I have rounder features, and I feel the chin is too sharp.
I'd like to get it removed altogether, but am concerned that I will be left with a drooping chin. Can Artefill be used to fill the empty pocket once the chin implant is removed?

A: Use of filler after chin implant removal

There is no reason to place anything else in the chin implant pocket. The pocket will completely close down upon itself and once the implant is removed the preoperative contour of the chin will be back to its normal state as if it were unaugmented. There is absolutely no reason to place Artefill in the chin area and it would probably be only temporary at best.

William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Artefill to Plump Lips and Help with Vertical Lines in Dallas I have been using Juvederm for a few years now with average results. It lasts two months...so I am looking for a better solution. Does Artefill work in the lips? How long does it last? Can it have a bad reaction in some because it isn't natural? I would like Dallas Dr. referrals too. Thanks!

A: Avoid Artefill

Artefill is associated with long term problems you do not want to have. Granulomas and possible chronic lumps, bumps and infections that can be extremely difficult to manage. Stick with the temporary fillers like Juvederm as they can basically do no harm.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What Can I Do About Lumps from a PMMA Product Like Artefill or Artecoll? Hi
I have developed a granuloma under each eye in the tear trough area from a product called "Precise," which is a PMMA product I received in Mexico 2 years ago. This product is essentially the same as Artefill/Artecoll.
I have been to see several doctors and have done extensive research on the internet. It appears I have two real options, the first is to have the product removed doing micro-lipo suction with a fine needle to scrape out the particles, which should not cause scarring, and the other is to have it surgically removed. I tried steroid injections but the change was minimal and short lived.
Here are my questions:
Is it possible to remove PMMA with micro-lipo if the product is encapsulated or embedded?
Would surgically removing from the tear trough area cause serious scarring or can it be handled in a way to leave scars that are manageable?

I welcome and appreciate any answers or insight !!

Thanks.

A: If you could roll back the clock, you wouldn't have done this

Permanent fillers are bad. Period. They cannot be removed and long term, they can develop granulomas and infections. They also can emerge as you age like islands coming out of the ocean. I sincerely wish patients would get the message that these are bad products and ones to avoid. Yes, it is painful and costly to have to reinject temporary fillers, but this is the only safe way to go.

That being said, other than direct excision, I don't think you can remove the product and remember that micro-liposuction IS surgery just as is open removal and micro-liposuction can also cause scarring. This is a tough situation you have gotten into and there is no simple way out. Sorry.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon