Creating a Natural, More Youthful Look

By Bruce M. Freedman, MD

Plastic Surgery Associates of Northern VA

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Creating a Natural, More Youthful Look

Facial fillers that offer temporary results have long been the primary option available to individuals seeking to correct mid-facial winkles and creases. Frequent office visits and recurring expenses often frustrate those wishing to maintain their youthful appearance. Recent medical advancements have resulted in longer lasting fillers. One such filler is Artefill, which the FDA has approved as a safe and long-lasting filler.

What is Artefill and How is It Different From Other Fillers?

Artefill is a microsphere-enhanced long lasting filler. Unlike temporary fillers, which are made with materials that are absorbed by the body over the course of a few months, Artefill's unique microsphere-enhanced collagen delivers a lasting solution. The microspheres are not absorbed by the body and create a support matrix for enduring wrinkle correction by stimulating your body to produce additional collagen.

How Does it Work?

Artefill is a dual acting wrinkle filler. Once injected deeply below the wrinkle, the collagen acts as a temporary filler for immediate wrinkle correction. As your body absorbs the collagen over time, the microspheres remain in place and your body's own new collagen is deposited on the surface of the microspheres. Your skin's new collagen is what provides long-lasting, natural feeling wrinkle correction.

What is the Procedure Like?

The procedure is performed in the office and takes 15-30 minutes. Artefill contains 0.3% lidocaine, a local anesthetic that numbs the skin during the injection to improve patient comfort. Slight redness and swelling can be expected, but results are immediate and will continue to improve over time. Daily activities can be resumed right away.

Is Artefill Safe?

It has proven to be a safe and effective wrinkle filler. Over 20,000 patients have been treated since its introduction in the U.S. in February 2007. Prior to receiving treatment, a skin test will be administered to see if you are sensitive to the bovine collagen in Artefill.

Why use Artefill?

Although your initial investment may be higher than with temporary fillers, the long lasting effects that Artefill provides should offset the cost of multiple injections of temporary fillers during the same period of time. The maintenance of your natural youthful appearance should be easier as a result.