ArteFill® consists of homegeneous polymethylmethacrylate
(PMMA) microspheres, evenly suspended in a
solution of partly denatured 3.5% collagen.
All microspheres are in a range of 32-40 microns
in size, are completely round and have polymerized,
smooth surfaces. 99.9% of the remaining monomers
have been removed during the processing of
the PMMA. ArteFill® contains a concentration
of 0.3% lidocaine hydrochloride. It is used
as an injectable micro-implant for long-lasting
subdermal augmentation, which includes the
correction of wrinkles, folds, and other connective
tissue defects.
ArteFill®
Safety
The Calfskins used for the production of the
collagen applied in ArteFill®, have been selected
from healthy animals which are raised within
districts in Germany, that have no known cases
of BSE. Each animal is strictly controlled
in a documented veterinary program. Age, feeding
programs, maternal lineage etc are all carefully
monitored and controlled. No hormones or antibiotics
have been administered during the feeding
program of these animals. The collagen has
been produced by using the internationally
accepted bovine collagen purification step:
One hour treatment with 1 N Sodiumhydroxide
at 20 degrees Celsius. No aldehyde products
have been applied during processing. The very
best available production methods to eliminate
any infectious agents have been employed in
the production. This production method has
contributed to a known allergy rate of 0.08%.
ArteFill® Is Different From Dermal
Fillers
ArteFill® is designed with dual action
to correct facial wrinkles. ArteFill®
achieves a long lasting result due to its
composition, which is a combination of precision-filtered
microspheres (20% of total volume) made from
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and purified
bovine collagen (80% of total volume). Aesthetic
results are visible immediately after injection.
PMMA is not taken up by scavenger cells (macrophages)
and cannot be degraded by enzymes. Thus, the
microspheres will remain intact beneath the
creases, providing a permanent support structure
to support the wrinkle and to prevent further
wrinkling. As with all products using bovine
collagen, collagen production will be induced.
A skin sensitivity test must be performed
prior to Artefill® use.
Click Picture
to watch Artefill in action
ArteFill®
injections guide
Indications for use of
ArteFill®
For persistent correction
of facial wrinkles, lines, furrows,
and acne scars (can also be used for
nipple augmentation)
Composition of ArteFill®
80% bovine collagen as the carrier
substance with 20% PMMA (polymethylmemethacrylate)
spheres, plus 0.3% Lidocaine for patient
comfort. The bovine collagen will absorb
in approximately 4 weeks, in turn the
patient’s own collagen will replace
the bovine collagen and will be permanently
supported by the PMMA.
Formulations available
Only one form of ArteFill® is
currently available in the U.S.
Longevity of ArteFill®
Although the collagen carrier absorbs,
new collagen is formed and the PMMA
remains permanently providing long term
correction.
Allergy testing for ArteFill®
Allergy testing is required due to
the minimal potential of sensitivity
to bovine collagen. The allergy rate
is less than 0.1%
Anesthesia for ArteFill®
Artefill® contains lidocaine but
a field block for lip augmentation may
be desired. In addition, topical numbing
cream may be used for other areas.
Recovery after ArteFill® injections
Mild swelling may be present for one
to several days, especially in the lips.
FDA approved? (US)
YES!, ArteFill is the first and only
FDA-approved non-resorbable wrinkle
filler for the correction of smile lines.
available in US?
Not currenly legal for injection in
the US, although some doctors may offer
it.
procedure time
30 to 45 minutes
Contraindications of ArteFill®
Positive allergy test, allergy to
bovine (cow) material, chronic or acute
skin infections are contraindications
to Artefill® injection.
Pros of ArteFill®
Permanent results, has been tested
in 200,000+ patients
Cons of ArteFill®
Allergy test required, permanency
may be undesired, results highly dependent
on injector's technique and experience
Additional information
2 treatment sessions are recommended,
4 to 6 weeks apart. Injection of a temporary
filler is suggested prior to Artefill®
to confirm the desired result before
making the result permanent. ArteFill®
may not be recommended for those with
very thin skin.
All human images on
this website are models, unless otherwise indicated.
Product
Description 
ArteFill®
Safety
