Polymethyl methacrylate microspheres in collagen

Artecoll was developed about 20 years ago and underwent a number of production changes until it recently became FDA approved under the new name of Artefill. This product contains 20% polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres with a diameter of 30 to 40 microm, which are suspended in a 3.5% atelo-collagen solution. The PMMA microspheres are now purified and no longer have an electrostatic charge, which in part was the cause for the early granulomatous reactions. Further, PMMA has long been known as bone cement and has been used in cosmetic surgery with a very good safety record. PMMA microspheres are biologically inert and nondegradable. The treatment results are therefore permanent and technical errors as well as incorrect injections will last. Due to the early record of granuloma formation, there is still a debate as to whether this product-as well as all other permanent fillers-should be injected for cosmetic reasons or not. With proper indications, excellent injection techniques, and realistic expectations as to what can be expected, this product has now proved to be one of the superior permanent filler substances.