Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury  issues.  If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.

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A:

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.
A:

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.

 
A: 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.
A:

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.

 
A: 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.
A:

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.

 
A:

As with all injectable implants, swelling, redness, lumps/bumps, bruising and itchiness may occur following treatment. These symptoms normally subside within a few days.