Abstract
Artecoll is the only permanent dermal filler to be approved by the European Union
and China Food and Drug Administration, and has been used worldwide since 1994 in
approximately 400,000 patients. Since 2002, Artecoll-4 has also been injected in China
in more than 42,000 patients in more than 100 hospitals, primarily for beauty refinement
in younger patients and for rejuvenation of the aging face. Artecoll-4 consists of
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres (20% by volume) 40 µm in diameter, suspended
in 3.5% bovine collagen solution and 0.3% lidocaine. The collagen carrier is absorbed
rather early after injection and is completely replaced by the patient's own connective
tissue within the first 3 months. Thus, in contrast to all other fillers, Artecoll-4
becomes the patient's own tissue, and it is a “living implant.” In this study, a total
of 10,725 patients were treated in 25 Chinese cosmetic hospitals between 2007 and
2012. Optimal injection techniques, efficiency and lasting duration, complications,
safety, outcome, and statistical results are discussed. The data support the safety
and efficiency of large volumes of Artecoll-4 (5–10 mL) injected deep into the faces
of Chinese women, who seek to have a smooth oval face without indentations. No foreign
body granulomas have been reported since the recommendation for strict epiperiosteal
injections. Level of evidence is Level IV, multiple center study.
Keywords
dermal filler - Artecoll-4 - facial volume - facial rejuvenation - Chinese women
