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Artefill move on you?

By Stephanieon 13 Apr 2007

anyone had problems with artefill moving or shifting?

Comments (37)

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stephanie1 (unregistered guest) 1 Oct 2007
I was so happy to hear that Artefill is going to fill a big void in the injectable fillers. 3 month ago I had Artefill injections. I was told that this product is semi permanent or permanent, and it will stay where it is injected. It will also feel totally natural. In my case not of that is true. The product shifted into my lips, where it was not injected. I now have two lips, one inside my mouth which is creating a siliva and speach problem. The American approved version is not thesame as the one used in Europe. I would save my money, and wait for a better product.
Tom at RealSelf (Community Manager) 1 Oct 2007
Stephanie - would you mind sharing your Artefill experience in an Artefill review on RealSelf? Our members love to read reviews by real people when researching their options and alternatives.
mkuechel 2 Oct 2007
Hi Stephanie: Any filler can technically migrate, and when it comes to those that having a longer duration of results, its imperative the doctor who injects you has A LOT of experience specifically with the filler recommended for you and where it will be injected. I wouldn't blame the US version of ArteFill, but I would reconnect with your doctor or seek out the advice of a board-certified plastic surgeon who specialized in aesthetics, does his/her own injectables and also sees complications from injectables to see what can be done to correct your situation. Three months is some time ago, and tissue would already be formed around the microspheres that were injected. But given the "extra lip" is inside your mouth, options to improve the result may be possible without external scarring. In terms of saving and waiting for a better permanent product -- any permanent product or one that has particulate matter (like microspheres) that is currently in the pipeline or approved has the risks of migration, clumping or even resulting in a permanent undesirable result. That's the nature of a permanent filler.
Stephanie (unregistered guest) 2 Oct 2007
Condifering your answer, I would love to know if you are affiliated with Artefill? You are making it sound like we should just accept disfigurement as a reward. Sorry...that is not acceptable, and it has nothing to do with a qualified Doctor. In my case, it is the nature of the product. I also believe that everyone should know the risks, to make an informed decision. I would love to know if any of the users were told that the product could migrate to unwanted areas. Thanks
missmic 27 Oct 2007
I am having the same issue - my Artefill has moved as well. I got the corners of my mouth done and now it has moved downward instead of in the corners. I would NOT recommend it around your mouth at all!!!! Artefill MOVES!!!!! It takes a few months, but it moves!!!! It is not like other fillers. Seems thinner instead of beaded. It is not worth the risk!!!
mkuechel 29 Oct 2007

No. Not in any way at all. But I am actively involved in the process of educating consumers about all cosmetic injectable treatments that are approved by the U.S. FDA and Artefill is one of them. Disfigurement is not a reward, it is a potential problem that can occur, and if your doctor did not present this in the informed consent process, he did you a big disservice. And it has everything to do with a qualified doctor.

All fillers, for the most likely positive outcomes, are injected at specific levels in the skin, and with different techniques. Artefill offers very little margin for error in both how deep and the "locations" on the face where it is injected. A doctor needs more than to watch a few injections and think they've got it. I've seen good results from Artefill with doctors whose training first included cadavers and then multiple hands on experiences with patients, with the guidance of someone who is injecting with good results. I've seen very bad results from doctors who just don't know how to deal with the new technology in fillers. Just because you can inject Restylane and Juvederm with good results doesn't mean you are capable of injecting Artefill with good results. You cannot ever take for granted and ask too few questions about your doctor's ability and training.

If in doubt, don't do it. A doctor who glosses over the potential risks is not the doctor you want. A good doctor will cover the risks in depth for two reasons: 1)  it is the appropriate thing to do, and 2) it is then your educated decision to do this or not.

Hunter (unregistered guest) 1 Feb 2008
Good info Maria, I am thinking of Artefill because i don't want to keep going for updates with Restylane. Im going to ask for my DR a few things that you pointed out.... Thank you for the post. Hunter San Antonio, TX
kkmuzic (unregistered guest) 30 Mar 2008
Hunter, I live in San Antonio and was curious who your doctor was, if you had the Artefill injection done, and if so, were you happy with the results. Thanks.
April F 2 Apr 2008
With respect to Artefill migration, here's a post by Dr. Arnold Klein: How can I avoid having my Artefill injection "migrate?"
NORMA-S (unregistered guest) 2 Apr 2008
I have an appointment scheduled to get ArteFill. However, after reading April's feedback, I have decided to get a non-permanent filler instead. What April shares makes LOTS of sense! I am noticing more and more that as I age my skin is shifting based on muscle changes and skin elacticity minimizes. Thanks April!
April F 2 Apr 2008
Hi NORMA-S, Please note that the answer you read regarding Artefill migration was submitted by Dr. Arnold Klein, not by me personally. I am not a medical professional nor do I have any personal experience with Artefill. I am glad you found Dr. Klein's comments to be helpful, however I cannot take credit for his submission.
Arnold W. Klein, MD 2 Apr 2008
Artefill is improved by the FDA as a permanent wrinkle filler. You should use extreme caution when considering the use of this filler. The predecessor of Artefill is Artecoll. Artecoll has been used for more than 13 years in Europe and there have been serious adverse reactions associated with Artecoll. When the manufacturer of Artecoll presented it to the FDA for approval, the FDA required them to make a few minor changes to the formulation. They required them to reduce the bead size and make more uniform the PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate)- or better known as Plexiglas - beads. They also required them to use only a bovine (cow) cattle heard for the collagen that was a "closed heard" located in the US and that they manufacture the product only in an approved US facility. Now given the broad powers of the FDA, these are not major changes, and they certainly didn't change what the product is made of. However, after they did make the changes, they changed the name of this formulation to Artefill. These changes are according to the company themselves. Based upon the long history of problems with Artecoll in Europe and Canada, and given the fact that Artefill is a permanent product, I cannot recommend this product. I have serious concern about long term safety that have not been adaquately addressed. Synthetic products should not be used in the face, the risk is simply too significant. I have seen patients who have experienced significant problems after receiving Artecoll and it could only be helped by surgically removing it. Furthermore, there have been reports in the medical literature of patients having serious reactions to Artecoll more than 12 years after it was injected, so just because you don't have problems immediately after receiving it, does not mean you won't in the future. While the manufacturer says it is not the same product, it is still PMMA beads in bovine collagen, therefore the ingredients are exactly the same. Whether it is Artefill or Artecoll, Please give serious thought before using any permanent filler in your face.
Nicolas (unregistered guest) 23 Apr 2008
I would like to have a vertical chin enhancement. The only way really is through the use of a filler as doing that by surgery would be a real nightmare. Does Artefill move a lot? If it moves only a bit would that be ok for under the chin? There's not a lot of movement in that area so wouldn't the migration be limited? Also that part of the face is less visible. I'm planning to move to a place where it's unlikely that I can have an filler injection - I'm moving to Tahiti or New Caledonia -. I don't feel like coming back here in Canada just for that. An educated opinion would be very appreciated. Thank you. Nicolas.
Kitten 10 May 2008
Uhh, Dr. Klein is a well known and respected doctor. Heck, I live in Hawaii and I've heard of him! What he says about permanent fillers should definitely give you pause. Personally, I know several people that experienced horrible results, and yes, bad reactions several years AFTER being injected with permanent fillers. Months ago, I too wanted to go the permanent filler route, but after talking to several docs, I decided that the risks are not worth it. They spoke of seeing distortion in the faces of women who have aged with these fillers and it aint pretty. Think about it: as you age and your face "shifts" (skin and muscle, etc.), the filler stays put, sometimes causing unsightly bulges. I'm not saying that this WILLhappen to everyone, but it's definitelysomething to think about before taking the plunge.
sad and sorry 3 Jun 2008
I had artesense injections (5) 7 weeks ago and my doctor over filled and did not inject where I asked him to inject them. although he repeatedly told me that this material does not move I believe it has and has created lumps. what can I do now? can the material be removed and how much damage would that do? is there a safe injectable that can be used to fill the voids next to the lumps?
blancam 23 Mar 2012
Hello, if you are still there, were you able to remove the artesense? My mother just had it injected and she has now lumps around her eyes.
mira2 (unregistered guest) 3 Jun 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your lumps. If I may ask, is artesense the same as artefill or artecoll?
mira2 11 Nov 2008
I would also like to know if artesense is the same as artefill or artecoll. Thank you for answering.
KJCO (unregistered guest) 5 Jul 2009
I had artefill done approx. 18 months ago...I loved the results. I experienced nothing but positive results and would do it again in a heart beat. My results were smooth, natural, and long lasting...awesome product with awesome results!
chellamia 23 Feb 2010
It would really help if you would share your positive and negative results because how do we know if someone isn't working for the company? If a person doesn't want their identity revealed, can always crop the picture. There is a doctor here from New Jersy who has been using silikon in the lips for 10years with positive results and that is also controversial regarding "migration" I just wish people would show their pictures so we can get an idea what you are talking about. I got the silikon and only problem I experience is that if there is a change, I can't see it and I can't crop and upload from this stupid computer but I will as soon as I can.
LoriIB 21 Apr 2010
I had ArteFill injected in my NL folds, cheeks and chin area. I do have a problem in the left side of my chin area which the injector put too much in. It now looks lumpy and in certain lighting slightly scarred. After reading all the posts I am now terrified what will happen in the future. I really went overboard with this stuff. I should have researched more and just stuck with the temporary fillers. Regarding the chin area, the injector didn't even inject in the area I wanted and now it looks even worse. I am two months out and am still hoping that it will go down a little -- but I doubt it. Five days ago I went for a Profactional laser treatment in the hopes that it would flatten out the area more around my chin. My face is still red and tight but I am now noticing that that lump is still there. Anybody know of any experienced doctors in the Colorado area that I can consult with. I have a feeling that I am going to be very sorry in the future.
LoriIB 24 Apr 2010
One more thing regarding ArteFill, if I massage the area will this help to break it up a little. I really need an answer as this is really depressing me. Thanks.
Los Angeles8432 20 Nov 2010
I has Artfill about 2 years ago. It is starting to lump. IT is visibile. I am African American and my fear is that it is creating internal scarring. Can anyone advise?
Houston4818 12 Dec 2010
You should let an experienced plastic surgeon have a look, and maybe not the doctor who did the injections. If you're near a major medical school see if there's someone on the teaching faculty in plastic surgery available for consult. In my opinion these doctors-especially concerning aesthetic elective procedures-are usually the most conservative.
rose28 23 Dec 2010
I got artefill on the brigde of my nose and the bottom is surgery the only way to get rid of it?

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