What
is ArteSense?
ArteSense is the next generation of Artecoll®
with a new & improved delivery system. It is the only permanent
injectable implant used for the long-lasting correction of wrinkles and
other skin depressions. ArteSense is composed of microscopic beads which
are folded into a collagen solution containing anesthetic for the relief
of mild post-treatment tenderness.
ArteSense received approval in July 2006 and Artecoll has been approved
in
Canada since September 1998.
How
does ArteSense work?
ArteSense utilizes the body’s natural ability
to encapsulate foreign bodies by the formation of connective tissue
surrounding the PMMA microspheres. The process of encapsulation of the
microspheres by the body’s own connective tissue (collagen) is complete
in about 3 months. Absorption (phagocytosis) and/or dislocation of the
microspheres is prevented by the encapsulation of each individual
microsphere with connective tissue.
It is possible that after the swelling has gone down, your wrinkles may
temporarily return after a few weeks. This is a normal occurrence, and
they will start to disappear again over the next few months as the body
forms its own connective tissue.
Does the
ArteSense injection have to be repeated as done with collagen?
Depending on the patient and the correction to
be made, a second or third injection may be needed if the degree of
correction from the first injection is not optimal. ArteSense is a
permanent implant that remains for the life of the patient. Unlike
collagen which lasts 3-6 months, ArteSense’s effects have been shown to
last 10 years and longer. However, final results will vary depending on
each patient as the skin continues to age, as well as facial mimicry
(frowning, squinting, smiling, etc.).
Is
ArteSense safe?
Yes. ArteSense is extremely safe. There have
been no reports of rejection of the microscopic beads (PMMA). PMMA has
been used since the early 1930's in dental prostheses, and since 1947,
when the first hip prosthesis was introduced. Many scientific articles
on bone repair have mentioned the chemical inertness and
biocompatibility of PMMA.
What is
the source of the collagen used in ArteSense?
The atelocollagen used in ArteSense is sourced
from a closed herd of cattle located in the
United
States, which has been declared as a BSE free country by the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Can
a face-lift be performed after an ArteSense implantation?
Yes. The skin on the face is thick enough to
prevent the implants from becoming visible after a face-lift. ArteSense
should not be used in thin, loose skin. It is possible that an implant
in thin skin will be visible after a face-lift.
Is
an ArteSense injection painful?
Injections are often painless, however, anesthesia can allay any worry
and is recommended before lip augmentation, as this is one of the most
sensitive areas of the face. Normally, a topical anesthetic such as
Betacaine® Gel (5% lidocaine) is put on the area to be
treated 20-30 minutes prior to the procedure. Also, ArteSense contains
lidocaine to minimize post-treatment tenderness. The needle used for
ArteSense is very fine and the injection is virtually painless.
How
long does the ArteSense implant last?
The improved results have been shown to last
10 years or longer depending on the patient. The implant will remain for
the rest of the patient’s life. The cosmetic effect of the implant will
diminish over time as new wrinkles are formed.
What
are the possible side effects?
As with all injectable implants, swelling,
redness, lumps/bumps, bruising and itchiness may occur following
treatment. These symptoms normally subside within a few days.
What
is the purpose of the skin test?
The skin test is used to determine if the patient
is senstive or allergic to the collagen or lidocaine in the product.
What
is contained in the ArteSense test syringe?
The test syringe contains a collagen solution
and lidocaine (no microscopic beads).
Is it
necessary to do skin testing?
Due to the low incidence of sensitivity reaction
(< 0.1%), skin testing is not mandatory. Skin testing is now optional, at
the discretion of the physician.
I have
been previously injected with collagen. Do I need to receive an ArteSense
skin test?
The absence of an allergic reaction to previous
collagen injections is highly indicative that ArteSense will be well
tolerated and that an additional skin test is not required.
Can
ArteSense be used in thin skinned areas?
Thin, loose skin is inadvisable
(contraindication) for ArteSense. The risk of the skin becoming lighter
(blanching) increases, as does the potential for the implant to be
detectable resembling rubber-like nodules.
Has
ArteSense been injected into elderly skin?
Yes. ArteSense has been injected in women over
70 years old. Care must be taken in patients with thin or loose skin.
Is
there data in patients who have been injected more than 10 years ago?
The use of ArteSense was first investigated in
1989 and there are patients who have had implants for more than 10 years
(personal communication from Dr. Lemperle). However, ArteSense does not
stop time and new wrinkles can be expected to appear close to the site of
implant. There are no reports of problems with these first treatments.
What
is the incidence of granuloma (inflammation under the skin) formation with
ArteSense?
The development of granulomas after the
administration of ArteSense has been reported very rarely. There are 10
reported cases from more than 8,000 patients (<0.125%). In the event of a
granuloma, it can be effectively treated with corticosteroids.
