ArteFill is a gel filler consisting of millions of synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA) suspended in purified bovine (cow) collagen. This product sounded like a bad idea to me when it was first introduced. Countless reports of lumps, bumps, and granulomas by patients who have been injected... more
What are Artefill injection risks?
I heard a doctor on TV say that Artefill was risky, but my friend had it injected and it looks really good. Is Artefill safe? Does anything last as long, like maybe silicone?
5 answers to “What are Artefill injection risks?”
A: Artefill can be good - but they are bankrupt
Artefill is a good product but there are some long term problems such as granulomas which can be very difficult to treat. Of note, the company which makes Artefill filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy at the end of 2008. There are other permanent options including silicone, but some fat from the belly or thighs can... more
A: Long term development of granulomas
I have seen draining granulomas develop in patients 8 years after their ArteFill was injected who had no problems in between. This is very alarming and difficult to treat. Avoid all permament fillers!
A: Artifill has inherent disadvantages
Artifill uses PMMA (plastic) beads, materials which are non-biologic and have no natural defenses against infection. If bacteria form around the beads, the body has no defense against them (i.e. no blood vessels of its own to carry white blood cells or antibiotics) as the bacteria multiply on... more
A: Artefill permanence is a pro and con
I have not personally injected ArteFill® but am told the advantages include more volume and research documents longer lasting results than other presently FDA-approved dermal fillers. Silicone in not FDA approved as a dermal filler, nor is it recommended. Longer-lasting fillers like ArteFill, (approved to... more
Artefill before & after photos
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