Artefill: Is It Effective Or Just a Waste of Money?
Published July 31st, 2020
The moment we are born, we inevitably start aging. As time passes, we’re simply bound to get older, which causes worry for many people. Everyone wants to hold on to that fountain of youth and look the same as they did in their prime. This desire to look young has led many cosmetic surgeons and researchers to develop procedures that combat signs of aging.
Some of the biggest enemies, as we grow older, are wrinkles. Simply put, they add unwanted years, especially unto our faces. One solution to that is Artefill.
Artefill is an FDA-approved “synthetic” filler similar to hyaluronic acid fillers. This product consists of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spheres suspended in bovine (cow) collagen. Their primary purpose is to get rid of wrinkle lines on the face. They do this by adding volume to certain areas of the face that have depressed.
Its main advantage over hyaluronic acid fillers is its longevity. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary alternatives to Artefill. Their effects can last a maximum of 18 months, whereas Artefill is a “permanent” filler.
While it is called “permanent,” effects usually last between 5 to 7 years. In some cases, its effects even lasted 15 years. Much research has gone into this product and its possible complications, but is it worth the money?
How much does an Artefill procedure cost?
The product itself costs between $600 to $1,100 for a syringe. What drives the cost up is the handling doctor’s expertise in injecting something permanent. The effects of this procedure can last for years. So if this operation’s results are poor, it will take several years to remedy. If not time, it will take even more expensive procedures to undo its effects.
What are the benefits?
The greatest benefits of Artefill are its longevity and its natural-looking effects. The collagen found in this product provides immediate correction to wrinkles. Additionally, the PMMA microspheres found in Artefill were shown to induce collagen production. Collagen boosts overall skin health, improving skin elasticity, and reducing visible wrinkles.
What are the risks?
This procedure does not come without side effects and risks. According to DermaNetwork, these are the common side effects with Artefill:
- Redness and Swelling – As with other dermal fillers, this is expected to happen, usually subsiding within one day.
- Bleeding – Patients may bleed at the injection site, but this should be resolved by the time the practitioner has completed the procedure.
- Bruising – This is one of the less common side effects in Artefill patients. This side effect should subside within a week.
Since Artefill is made of bovine collagen, some people may be allergic to it. Because of this, practitioners will generally conduct a skin test before the operation to test for compatibility. Patients who have an allergy or sensitivity to bovine collagen might want to look for alternative dermal fillers.
One rare side effect is the formation of granulomas. Granulomas are lumps or bumps in the skin, which can be as small as a grain of sand and as large as a pea. Thankfully, the chances of this occurring are quite low at 0.1%. If they do occur, there are several remedies to them with the most severe cases requiring surgery.
The most significant risk for this operation lies in the practitioner’s technique. I mentioned earlier in this article that you generally have to pay more for a more experienced physician. This is to curb the chances of any complications coming out from this procedure. If you’re looking to get an Artefill injection, it would be best to go to a reputable clinic.
Conclusion
Generally, Artefill has a very high satisfaction rate. It sits at about 90% for both patients and physicians. Its effects are proven to be long-lasting, even permanent in some cases. Artefill procedures are generally on the upper end of the cost spectrum for dermal fillers. But because of its lasting results, it is quite cost-effective. We can conclude that it’s an effective treatment when handled by skilled practitioners.
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About The Author
Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.
