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Artesense
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Artecoll® was the first permanent filling device to be approved by the Canadian Health Protection Branch (September 1998) and Dr. Pollack had the privilege of being the first physician in North America to evaluate this product in patients. In Artesense® (formerly Artecoll®), tiny microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are suspended in cow collagen. As the collagen is absorbed, only the spheres remain. Skin cells coat the spheres with host collagen. The combined volume of the PMMA spheres and the surrounding collagen capsules lead to an improved contour.
Artesense® can be used to correct facial folds and wrinkles, acne scars, vertical and horizontal frown lines, and depressions at the corners of the mouth. However, too rapid of a correction can result in lumps, bumps or irregularities of contour. For a more natural, smooth result, corrections are best performed over 2 to 4 treatments with intervals of 6 weeks or longer before repeat injection sessions. This will allow time for the collagen carrier to dissolve and the microspheres to be properly implanted.
As with other injectables, swelling may occur for 2 days after treatment. Bruising, if it occurs, can last one week. Infrequent side effects include beads showing through the skin and contour unevenness. As with other collagen injections, a skin test is required to determine if there is an allergy to collagen. Results are long-lasting, possibly permanent.
• Cost: $850 per syringe
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