Longer-Lasting Wrinkle Smoother Arrives from Europe!

Featured in SCV Magazine

Since its introduction in 1981, Collagen has been the standard in injectible fillers for smoothing out wrinkles. Unfortunately, its effectiveness was short in duration as its natural ingredients became resorbed by the body. During this time, alternative synthetic fillers were available but lacked significant longevity.

Now there is an injectible filler coming to America by way of Europe that combines the effectiveness of Collagen with the long-lasting properties of synthetic fillers: Artefill. Originally know as Artecoll, this injectible filler will be available in the United States in early 2007. Introduced in 1994 in Germany, this filler has been used in over 200,000 patients throughout Europe with research indicating only 0.01% complications! In 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Advisory Panel approved the sale of Artecoll in the United States, with certain conditions. Subsequent studies conducted by prominent physicians such as Steven R. Cohen and Ralph E. Holmes clearly indicated that Artefill is more effective than Collagen in smoothing out wrinkles over at least a three-six month period. In fact, there has been a subsequent report submitted that shows patients at 4-5 years after treatment with results still visible (FDA approval is pending for the 4-5 year claim).

The reason Artefill is longer-lasting is because it is non-resorbable, therefore it is a permanent support matrix; in other words, it never breaks down in the body – ever! However, because of this it is extremely important who does the injections. Even more so than other fillers, success with the use of Artefill is heavily reliant on the technique of the person injecting the filler. Thus, when selecting a provider, you will get what you pay for. Make sure you look for a dermatologist with many years of experience introducing new cosmetic procedures to the marketplace and a solid reputation for safety.

For more information about Artefill, please call Dr. Bernard Raskin, founder of Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care, at 661.254.3686.