Response to Artefill Question

Aug 24, 2007

I have been having Artefill treatments and wanted to share my experience. Artefill finally got approved here in the US in February of this year, so it is still new here. I had moderate facial lipo and had started Sculptra treatments last July. After seven sessions (mostly around eyes and temples), Artefill was approved and I have started that. So far I've had six treatments of Artefill, mostly around the mouth and cheeks and temples, and the results are very good. While Sculptra costs me about half the price of Artefill (I got some patient assistance from their program), it seems worth it, as Artefill goes in much easier, has little or no down time after treatment and little if any lumps or granulomas that you can get with Sculptra. It is a slow process though, as it takes about two to three months to see the effects of one treatment. It is supposed to last about five years compared to the one to two years of Sculptra. I want to mention that it is not cheap, but seems to work really well. My doctor here in Dallas charges $1000 per syringe. A doctor here who has been treating lipo for many years says on average it costs about $18 to 22K for full restoration and that looks just about right, too, based on my experience. I'm told that Sculptra and Artefill work on just about anyone, but many patients quit after a few treatments thinking two or three should do it. It takes a minimum of two or three per area before you see any results and they quit thinking it's not working, but depending on your level of lipo and the drug cocktail you're on, it may take more. Before starting treatment you should talk to your doctor to see if you drug regimen is fat friendly, as that could eat away any progress you may get from treatments. Also, be sure to go to someone who has had a lot of experience with lipo and facial injectables as the process is definitely an art form and your results and potential side effects will vary greatly depending on who is on the other side of the needle! Good luck, I know the road you're on is a little bumpy, but it can get better!

Response from Dr. Henry

Thank you for sharing your very informative experience! KH