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Home > In the Media > The Miracle That Permanently Erases Wrinkles

Breakthrough: The miracle that permanently erases wrinkles

Move over collagen. Bye-bye Botox. There's a new wrinkle-eraser on the block called Artecoll, and thousands of women around the world already know what a potent age-eraser it can be. Now it's nearing FDA approval here under the name Artefill, and women across the country are lining up to get it.

Should you join them? Here's everything you need to know to decide if Artefill is right for you:

How does it work? Artefill is made up of tiny plastic beads suspended in collagen, and "when injected into the skin, the beads settle into wrinkles and prompt the skin to produce its own collagen," explains plastic surgeon Joseph B. O'Connell, M.D., of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "Within months, the lines and grooves are filled in with new collagen for good."
Where can you use it? Artefill can erase everything from fine lines and wrinkles in the face and neck to frown lines, nasolabial folds around the nose and even acne scars. "But it's not recommended for anyone who's allergic to collagen or lidocaine, is susceptible to keloids, or who has thin, flaccid skin," Dr. O'Connell says.
What's the procedure like? It takes just 15 to 45 minutes, and "since an anesthetic lotion is applied beforehand, the injections are almost painless," says plastic surgeon Robert S. Patterson, M.D., of Ontario Canada.

Afterward, your doctor may apply a skin tape, which usually remains in place for 48 hours, to help keep the treated area immobile.
How safe is it? Artefill is very safe. "The plastic that makes the microbeads are made of has been widely used in everything from pacemakers to bone implants," says Dr. Patterson.

Side effects can include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness or itching, but acetaminophen and cold compresses can alleviate them. In rare cases, small lumps under the skin called granulomas may occur, which can be treated with corticosteroids.

Plastic surgery excerpt featured in Women's World, by Linda Hamilton.

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To contact Connecticut plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph B. O'Connell about any cosmetic surgery procedures, please fill out our contact form or call us at (203) 454-0044.

Plastic Surgery of Southern Connecticut
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