Artefill is a widely used dermal filler that uses bovine collagen. The collagen based dermal fillers can be used to fill fine lines and wrinkles and to restore lost volume. The effects of Artefill are only temporary (i.e. up to 6 months), so the patient may opt to combine this treatment with others to obtain longer lasting results and get a younger looking appearance. The treatments that are combined with Artefill should be carefully chosen, so that the treatments won’t interact with the bovine collagen.
BOTOX®
Botox® is always recommended after the patient gets a dermal filler treatment or a treatment that reduces wrinkles. The Botox® treatment will affect the muscles that are located under the skin, and these will be numbed for up to 6 months. If the muscles are numb, they will not be able to contract, so no dynamic wrinkles will be formed. This means that the skin will not be creased and the Artefill treatment’s effects will last longer.
Botox® uses a small amount of botulinum toxin, which is applied in the muscles. The toxin will not interact with the bovine collagen, so these 2 treatments can be safely combined.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure that may be applied when the effects of Artefill seem to fade. Microdermabrasion uses lasers to eliminate dead skin cells, resulting in skin with improved texture and fewer wrinkles. The lasers stimulate the collagen formation, which will also keep the appearance of the face young for longer.
Skin Rejuvenation Procedures
Skin rejuvenation procedures are recommended along with some dermal fillers such as Artefill. The Artefill treatment only works to reduce wrinkling and adds volume, but will not improve the appearance of the skin. Skin rejuvenation procedures will be able to modify the texture of the skin, so that the patient will have younger and softer looking skin.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are recommended in conjunction with dermal fillers. The patient may opt for a skin rejuvenation procedure that uses lasers, or may get a less expensive chemical peel, which will also remove dead skin cells, improve the appearance of the skin and reduce pores. However, the effects of a chemical peel are not as durable as the effects of Microdermabrasion.
Skin Resurfacing Treatments
If the patient has scars, uneven skin or certain skin imperfections, a skin resurfacing treatment will be recommended. Most techniques use lasers or CO2 to reduce the appearance of the scars or to level the skin, leaving it soft and even looking.
The patient may opt for fractional resurfacing techniques (i.e. Fraxel), which will focus on a single area of skin at a time and will have better results involving minimal recovery time.
Face Lift
A face lift may be performed prior to or after the application of Artefill dermal fillers. The face lift is suitable for patients that have a lot of excess skin and have deep wrinkles that may not be filled with dermal fillers.
