ArteFill  

ArteFill® is the First FDA-Approved Non-Resorbable Aesthetic Injectable Implant for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds
ArteFill is a unique combination of homogeneous precision-filtered microspheres suspended in a solution of purified collagen gel and 0.3% lidocaine to alleviate discomfort during injection. ArteFill is manufactured in our dedicated 35,000 sq ft current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) compliant manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in San Diego.

In October 2006, ArteFill received final approval from the FDA, making it the first and only non-resorbable aesthetic injectable implant to gain FDA approval. 

ArteFill is designed with dual action to correct facial wrinkles, known as nasolabial folds. ArteFill does this as a result of its composition, which is a combination of precision-filtered microspheres (20% of total volume) made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and purified bovine collagen (80% of total volume). All microspheres have a defined size of 30 to 50 microns in diameter and have a smooth, round surface. Aesthetic results are visible immediately after injection. PMMA is not taken up by scavenger cells (macrophages) and cannot be degraded by enzymes. Thus, the microspheres will remain intact beneath the creases, providing a permanent support structure to support the wrinkle and to prevent further wrinkling. As with all products using bovine collagen, a skin sensitivity test must be performed prior to use.

In contrast, FDA-approved temporary "starter" filler treatments using biological fillers to increase the thickness of the skin, such as autologous fat, bovine collagen (Zyderm®, Zyplast®) human collagen (CosmoDerm®, CosmoPlast®), and hyaluronic acid (Restylane®, Hylaform®, Juvedérm®), provide only temporary effects because they are naturally absorbed by the body within a few months following implantation. Using temporary fillers makes it difficult to keep the improved look consistent over time because regular repeat injections are necessary, and the time, cost, and pain associated with such re-treatments are significant.