Fast facts

ArteFill


What it is: ArteFill is an FDA approved injectable dermal filler made from tiny microspheres of PMMA (clear plastic used in other medical implant devices) and bovine collagen.  Artefill injections are designed to restore facial volume and reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. ArteFill is marketed as the longest lasting wrinkle treatment or injectable filler for nasolabial folds.


What it addresses:  Facial conditions including:

- Facial wrinkles
- Smile Lines
- Acne Scars
- Nasolabial folds


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Question

Artefill lumps: can CO2 laser skin resurfacing 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.


Asked by: sjf
Florida, USA

Answers (1)

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1
September 26, 2008

Laser resurfacing not ideal for Artefill problems

Arnold W. Klein, MD
Arnold W. Klein, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist

I am terribly sorry to hear of your bad experience with Artefill. I have long warned against the use of this product for the very reasons that you describe.  I am not optimistic that C02 Laser resurfacing would help in your case as the Artefill is placed beneath the skin and the laser would not address this. I think you best option for the asymmetry that you describe would be a temporary filler such as Restylane or Juvederm to create better symmetry. I always advise people to carefully consider what they allow to be injected into the face and I advise against the use of permanent filler such as Artefill.

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