For years, patients who have been getting resorbable injectable fillers to fill the wrinkles of the face have been asking “I wish they made something that was more permanent or at least lasted longer.” Well, now those wishes have come true. Artefill is the newest injectable filler to treat the folds that form from the base of the nose to the corners of the mouth. However, unlike other injectables like Restylane, and Juvederm, Artefill is non-resorbable. That means fewer visits to the doctor, and less sticks with a needle!

Facial wrinkles are the result of the natural aging process. Heredity, UV exposure and repetitive facial movement can all contribute to the development of facial wrinkles and folds. Artefill, which has been used in Europe for more than ten years, is now FDA approved for correction of smile lines. With a safe, simple in office procedure, it gives immediate visible results with no downtime. Artefill is made of a combination of bovine collagen and microscopic spheres made of a compound your body won’t be able to resorb (polymethylmethacrylate).  Because it contains bovine collagen, it does require a skin test, which is usually complimentary. The unique microspheres provide permanent support to your skin to provide natural, long lasting wrinkle correction. The microspheres become part of your skin, and will age with your face naturally. Depending on the depth of their wrinkles and folds, most people get the results they want with one or two treatments.
I have had the opportunity to use Artefill in my practice and have found it a wonderful tool to treat the smile lines. Because Artefill is non-resorbable, I recommend that patients first try a resorbable injectable filler to make sure they like the result before putting anything non-resorbable in those wrinkles. As with any injectable filler for the face, injections should be done by a licensed, qualified health care professional who combines proper technique with artistry.