Artefill: A facial filler with long lasting results.
Posted on Fri, Apr 15, 2011
We know that sifting through the many available cosmetic procedures can be difficult. To help you make an informed decision, we have written this series of blog posts on facial fillers. This week we will continue with the popular filler, Artefill®.
Artefill is different
Artefill is different from the other fillers because it is the longest lasting injectable filler available today. Unlike the others, Artefill is not absorbed by the body, so the need for repeated injections is almost eliminated. Because of this near permanency, it is important that you know exactly what you want to accomplish.
If you have not experienced a temporary filler before, it is advisable to try one first to make sure that you will be happy with the results of your Artefill treatment. While Artefill is longer lasting, it is similar to Radiesse and Sculptra in that it stimulates your body's natural collagen production. The initial results are immediate, but the wrinkle reduction improves for several months following the injections.
Allergy test required
Artefill is a synthetic material that is combined with bovine collagen. For that reason, you must have an allergy skin test two weeks prior to your treatment to make sure you are not allergic to the bovine collagen. Lidocaine is added to Artefill to serve as a local anesthetic and cut down on your bruising and discomfort during your treatment. The procedure itself only lasts about 15-20 minutes, but you may require multiple rounds of injections in order to obtain the results you want. You can have the second treatment within three to six weeks of the first one.
Artefill works best in areas with thicker skin
Just as with the other facial fillers, Artefill requires no downtime but will cause some slight bruising and swelling. The swelling usually abates within a few days, while the mild bruising may last up to two weeks. Artefill works best on wrinkles and folds in areas of the face with thicker skin; it is not recommended for the eye area where the skin is thinner. It is especially effective to correct smile lines (nasolabial folds) and to improve the appearance of acne scars.
While an experienced physician is needed to help you determine the best procedures to create the results you want, a well-informed patient is always the best patient. With this knowledge, you will feel more confident when you walk into the doctor’s office, and you will be able to participate fully in the decisions that are made for your body.
And here’s something we’re really excited about...
NEW! Seeing is believing. We are proud to report that Dr. Stover’s Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii is the only cosmetic provider in the State of Hawaii that offers state-of-the-art computerized Vectra X3 3D imaging for the entire body. If you’ve ever wondered how you’ d look after your cosmetic filler procedure, contact us now for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Stover can simulate the exciting possibilities in a realistic 3D image of your face or body to help you make your decision. Click here to view the image animation. Schedule your free consultation and 3D image now.
