Can collagen be dissolved? (Photo)

Question

I have permanent filler in my chin (Artecoll) which has recently begun to swell. Is there any way to reduce swelling or dissolve the collagen that has been building in the chin?

Dima Ali, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos.  Artecoll is the old form of what is now the much improved formulation called Bellafill.  The collagen component cannot be dissolved - it lasts abut 3 months.  It is meant to give you "instant gratification" until the effects of the more long lasting Polymethyl Methacrylate portion of the filler begin to appear.  There have been more reported complications with the older Artecoll formulation than with Bellafill such as granulomas or nodules.  I would advise seeing a doctor who has a lot of experience with these potential side effects.  Treatment with judicious steroid injections (small amounts over a long period of time) as well as antibiotics can certainly help.  Concomitant use of ultrasound or radiofrequency can also be of benefit.  The good news is that, from your photos, your chin looks good - the bumps are not yet very visible.  Now is a good time to get evaluated by an experienced doctor.  I hope this helps.  Dr. Dima

Hung William Song, MD · Answer

Hi thanks for posting this question and your photos. Artecol is made of PMMA particles that are permanently injected into your tissue. The nodules can sometime occur years later triggered by hormonal changes or an infection. I would suggest seeing a doctor who is familiar with this reaction to prevent true granulomas from forming. I have found a combined approach of antibiotics with a steroid injection into the nodules and acoustic wave therapy to be helpful. You have to be careful not to overdo the steroids or you can develop atrophy. Multiple treatments several months apart is the best approach. If these nodules develop into granulomas, they may need to be surgically removed. The only PMMA product I would use for injections is the FDA approved Bellafill brand because the particle size is uniform and large enough not to be engulfed by your white blood cells and small enough that they don't clump. I don't see obvious bumps in your photos so you may respond to careful steroid injections.

Can collagen be dissolved? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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