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Artefill - For those who want ultra-duration in wrinkle correction.


ArteFill is the first and only FDA-approved permanent, non-resorbable wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines. What does non-resorbable mean?

All other dermal fillers are made of components that naturally break down over a period of time after injection. Collagens and hyaluronic acids naturally leave the skin within a range of 3 to 9 months, classifying them as "resorbable" because of their limited duration. That's why repeat injections are necessary to maintain the corrections. Artefill's permanent component, PMMA, does not break down. The microscopic PMMA beads stay in the skin permanently.

Artefill Orange County

Photo Source – Artes Medical

Features of Artefill

• Immediate results with no downtime

• Ideal for permanent correction of nasolabial folds and smile lines

• A simple in-office procedure made comfortable with integrated anesthetic

• Excellent safety profile with over 7,000 patients

• Results improve over the course of several months as your own new collagen growth interweaves around the PMMA spheres

• Usually requires only one or two treatments using a gradual treatment plan


Artefill Video
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Most likely Dr. Pilest will correct wrinkles with a graduated treatment plan so that you can choose exactly the level of correction you wish. Often only a single treatment is needed but deeper facial folds are generally treated in 2 steps.

Until Artefill there has not been an FDA approved product that stays in the skin on a permanent basis. The tiny spheres that make up the permanent component of Artefill are made of PMMA. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), in use since 1945, is one of the most widely used artificial materials in implantable medical devices.

The size, shape, and smoothness of the microspheres used in Artefill are important to ensure the product’s biocompatibility. The precision-formed microscopic spheres are non-sensitizing and safe in the skin. They do not break down like other dermal fillers do. This allows your skin to retain a permanent scaffolding that stays in place to keep deep wrinkles and lines at bay.

Because of the permanent nature of the PMMA spheres Dr. Pilest has closely reviewed and studied the use and response of Artefill to be more certain that Artefill would not pose potential problems for his patients. With proven safety in more than 7,000 patients and a high satisfaction rate among both patients and other dermatologists and plastic surgeons, he now feels assured in offering Artefill to those who prefer an ultra-duration permanent dermal filler for nasolabial folds and smile lines.

How permanent is permanent?

Artefill provides a correction that lasts for years after your initial injection. The only reason you may need any further touch up years down the road is that generalized additional collagen loss comes as a natural part of aging. Original PMMA dermal fillers first used in Europe have a tracked 10 year longevity.

Artefill Gift Card Offer Limited Time Offer - $300 Gift Card from
Artes Medical following your 1st Treatment
Call our office for details - 1 877-DrPilest (1-877-377-4537)



How does ArteFill work?

ArteFill® contains PMMA microspheres and purified bovine collagen gel with an anesthetic for comfort during injection. ArteFill is a dual-acting injectable wrinkle filler that provides immediate and long lasting results.

First, ArteFill visibly corrects the wrinkle by the collagen carrier. The microspheres then provide the permanent support your skin needs for enduring wrinkle correction, allowing your own body’s collagen to become the “fill”. Results are completely natural in feel and appearance since 80% of your final correction is your own collagen.

A simple skin test must be administered 4 weeks prior to your initial treatment with ArteFill to screen for any possible allergy to bovine collagen.

“…ArteFill's unique non-resorbable nature provides a permanent support for the long-lasting wrinkle correction my patient's desire. I have treated over 100 patients since ArteFill became available last year and have seen exceptional results with no complications." John Joseph, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles

Artefill Photos Orange County, Ca Enduring Results with Artefill.

ArteFill® answers the growing demand for a safe and permanent injectable wrinkle filler for the correction of smile lines.

Depending on the depth of their wrinkles and folds, most people get the results they want with one or two treatments.

With ArteFill Progressive Enhancement™ (gradual wrinkle correction), you and Dr. Pilest can tailor a treatment program to meet your individual needs. This personalized approach helps to ensure you get the results you desire without concern of “over correction”.

Artefill requires a specific injection technique which Dr. Pilest, as a Board Certified Dermatologist, recognizes as crucial to proper results. Patients are advised to seek out a properly qualified and experienced physician to be assured the permanent result you are looking for.
More Artefill Before and After Photos  



Artefill Injections Orange CountySee how Artefill is injected.

Important Treatment Considerations for Consumers

ArteFill® is indicated for the correction of facial wrinkles known as nasolabial folds or smile lines. Some people should not receive ArteFill, including those who have a positive reaction to the ArteFill collagen skin test; have a history of severe allergies manifested by a history of anaphylaxis, or history or presence of multiple severe allergies; are allergic to the anesthetic (lidocaine); have a history of allergies to any bovine collagen products; are undergoing or planning to undergo desensitization injections to meat products; are prone to thick scar formation and/or excessive scarring.

As with any injectable wrinkle filler, you can expect mild swelling and reddening at the treatment site. These side effects are usually gone within 24 hours. If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs you may experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection sites. Patients with any skin outbreaks (e.g. cysts, pimples, rashes, hives, infection) near the injection site should postpone treatment until they clear. The safety and effectiveness of ArteFill beyond one year have not been established.

It is important that you share your medical information with Dr. Pilest. Together, you can make an informed decision as to whether ArteFill is right for you.

Q & A from Artefill

"Artes Medical is the only dermal filler company that has completed a 5-year safety and efficacy study, showing continued wrinkle correction with its product -- ArteFill -- over a 5 year period with a positive safety profile,"  Diane Goostree, Artes Medical President and Chief Executive Officer

For complete product and safety information visit www.artefill.com



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Juvederm for Lines and Lips
Fotofacial for Sun-induced Pigmentation


2008 © Total Dermatology is one of Southern California's top laser dermatology centers offering laser treatments for sundamage, pigmentation, acne and acne scars and Fraxel CO2 laser for 3 in 1 skin rejuvenation.  Dr. Pilest, a Board Certified dermatologist and one of Orange County's most popular cosmetic dermatology specialists, offers patients in Orange County a wide variety of wrinkle fillers such as Artefill, Restylane, Juvederm, Cosmoderm and Cosmoplast, Radiesse (also known as Radiance), and Sculptra. Dr. Pilest treats patients from the Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Mission Viejo and Orange County area as well as cities throughout California, the United States and abroad. He is recognized as a master level injection specialist and is a national teaching faculty member for Bioform Medical. Dr. Pilest is well known for his expert treatments in managing Rosacea, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

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