Artecoll is a gel suspension of 20% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) 30- to 42-micron microspheres, 3.5% collagen derived from cows, and 0.3% lidocaine.
[3] Artecoll is a permanent injectable wrinkle filler used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons to fill smile lines.
[1] Because the device ultimately works by causing tissue to grow around the microsphere scaffold, there is a risk of overgrowth if too much Artefill is administered.
[5] The product was invented by German plastic surgeon Gottfried Lemperle and the first version was called Arteplast and clinical trials started in 1989.
[6] Artes Medical Inc. was formed in the US in 1999 by Lemperle and his two sons to bring the technology to the U.S. and secure FDA approval.