Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected under the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and wrinkles, or improve facial contours. There are 19 brands of FDA-approved facial dermal fillers available to providers for cosmetic injections, each with multiple and specific indications. The only FDA-approved dermal filler that is not absorbed by the body is made with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads suspended in a solution containing bovine (cow) collagen. Most dermal fillers have a temporary effect, because they contain materials that the body absorbs over time.
Some dermal fillers also contain lidocaine, which is intended to reduce injection-related pain or discomfort. Produced by Swiss hyaluronic acid product manufacturing company Teoxane, RHA Redensity is a gel implant or dermal filler that is injected into specific areas of facial tissue to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In some cases, hyaluronic acid used in dermal fillers is chemically modified (cross-linked) to last longer in the body. The consistency of a CaHA filler is usually thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and usually lasts longer as well, approximately 12 months for most patients. In my experience, I consider Artefill to be an excellent dermal filler in appropriately selected patients. Surprisingly, there are few doctors who inject Artefill in the Las Vegas area.
There are two reasons for this lack of use. First of all, I think many injectors feel they will lose business by injecting permanent fillers into their regular patients, when they prefer to repeat temporary injections every 6-12 months. Second, because Artefill is permanent, if the Artefill is not injected correctly or if it is somehow misplaced, or if the patient is not satisfied with the filling, it could and probably will be difficult to remove. To date, I haven't had a single case of a poorly positioned product. I haven't been asked to remove it from any of my patients (more than 100 injections) nor have I seen any granuloma formation.
My patients and I have been quite satisfied with the results. The initial cost of Artefill may be higher than most temporary fillers, but ultimately patients will save time and money since repeated injections of temporary fillers would not be necessary over time. The most worrisome risk associated with the use of dermal fillers is inadvertent injection into a blood vessel, leading to blockage of blood vessels and poor blood supply to tissues. In some cases, the side effects of a dermal filler injection may appear weeks, months, or years after the injection. With so many dermal filler products on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best option for you without the guidance of an experienced cosmetic surgeon. If you have used temporary fillers in the past and are satisfied with the results or if you have considered facial volume rejuvenation, Artefill may be right for you.
While the risks associated with dermal fillers are minimal, you should fully disclose your medical history prior to treatment as certain allergies, skin and neurological conditions, or medications may jeopardize your safety or results.
