You can reverse time with ArteSense™

• A simple one-step procedure.
• Medically proven to be safe and effective.
• ArteSense™ and Artecoll® have been used with more than 400,000 medical and aesthetic patients over the last 10 years. ArteSense™ was originally marketed in Europe and Canada under the trade name Artecoll® . Artecoll® has been improved several times over the past ten years, and the name has been changed to ArteSense™ to recognize this evolution. ArteSense™ is the new generation of Artecoll® . A product essentially identical to ArteSense™ has been marketed in the United States under the trade name Artefill® since January 2007.
• Dr. Kevin Smith has done over 750 treatments with Artecoll® , ArteSense™ and Artefill, and has taught across Canada, in the United States, and overseas on best practices for the successful use of Artecoll® /ArteSense™ and Artefill.
• Most patients required only one (62%) or two (24%) applications.
• Nine out of ten patients say they're satisfied with how they look post treatment.
• Virtually 100% of patients had objective improvement upon post-operative review.
• Results are considered permanent; there's no need to continually repeat treatment as with some other procedures. This can reduce your long-term costs.
• Unlike collagen and hyaluronic acid, ArteSense™ maintains its cosmetic results for years.

With ArteSense™, there's more that you can do

• Fill folds and wrinkles on the face, primarily around the nose and mouth (including depressed corners of the mouth), and fill in lines and creases on the forehead.
• Enhance and restore the fullness of your lips.
• Correct irregularities of the nose.
• Correct scars caused by acne and other conditions.

ArteSense™ treatment is simple, easy and virtually pain-free

• A series of tiny injections are given under the skin's surface.
• ArteSense™ fills the gaps, raising the skin to its normal height.
• Some minor smoothing may be done immediately after the injection.
• The procedure is done for you by Dr. Smith, in his office.
• During the 3 or 4 months after your ™ treatment, your body will lay down its own natural collagen around the ArteSense™ particles, producing the long-lasting correction you desire. You may have another ArteSense™ treatment in the same area after 2-4 months if additional correction is desired.

What can ArteSense™ do for you?

1. What is ArteSense™?
2. How much does ArteSense™ cost?
3. How does ArteSense™ work?
4. How long does the ArteSense™ implant last?
5. Is ArteSense™ safe?
6. What does ArteSense™ treatment feel like?
7. Who should not have ArteSense™ treatments?
8. Can a face-lift or other surgery be performed after an ArteSense™ implantation?
9. Can ArteSense™ be used during pregnancy?
10. Am I vain?
11. Pre-treatment instructions
12. Post-treatment instructions

What is ArteSense™?

ArteSense™ is an injectable implant used for the long-lasting correction of wrinkles and other skin depressions. ArteSense™ is composed of ultra fine particles of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) which are suspended in a collagen solution. ArteSense™ will soon be marketed in the United States under the trade name Artefill T.

PMMA has been used by doctors for over 60 years in such common procedures as dental prostheses, eye lenses, bone repair, orthopedics and in pacemakers. PMMA is used because it is very safe and does not cause allergic reactions.

What is the difference between ArteSense™ and BOTOX® injections?

BOTOX® injections relaxes the muscles which cause many facial lines and unwanted facial expressions. Fillers like ArteSense™, collagen (Zyplast™, Zyderm® and Evolence), Juvéderm™, Restylane® and other products fill creases, lips, cheekbones, and also defects like acne scars. Sometimes BOTOX® injections is used in combination with ArteSense™ when treating certain areas where permanent deep lines have resulted from over activity of the muscles, for example some frown lines on the lower forehead or wrinkles around the lips.

How much does ArteSense™ cost?

In Canada, ArteSense™ is not expensive; however there is a cost involved. Many cosmetic treatments were once considered a luxury item only for those who had a high disposable income. ArteSense™ is very affordable even for those with modest incomes, but some people need to budget for it just as they would for buying accessories like shoes and having their hair styled. The price of ArteSense™ in Canada is much more reasonable than the price of Artefill in the United States, and patients being treated in Canada also benefit from the many years of experience Dr. Smith has with this product.

Having successful cosmetic treatments for your face is not expensive, it is priceless.

ArteSense™ costs $675 per syringe, with a $75 discount for additional syringes used on the same day.

You might typically use a total of one or two syringes of ArteSense™ (perhaps one to start with and maybe another in 3 or 4 months) to enhance your lips, or to soften and fill in your nasolabial folds or forehead lines. The improvement is gradual (allowing you to control the rate and degree of correction) - and the cost is spread out over a long period of time, so ArteSense™ treatment should be easy on you, and easy on your budget! Because the improvement is not sudden, people are likely to notice that you are looking better, but they will probably not know WHY your appearance is improving as time goes on (unless you share your secret with them!)

TAX BENEFITS OF COSMETIC SURGERY

According to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency, cosmetic surgery, including ArteSense™ treatment, when administered by a physician, is considered an allowable medical expense. Under Canadian law you are allowed a 16% Non-refundable Tax Credit on all expenses which exceed 3% of your net income or $1678.00, whichever is less. Receipts for all expenses incurred are provided by our office and should be attached to your annual tax return.

How does ArteSense™ work?

After ArteSense™ is injected, the collagen in which the PMMA particles are suspended is absorbed by your body over a period of about 4 weeks. During this time there may appear to be some loss of the correction in the treated skin folds, wrinkles and scars.

The ultra fine particles of PMMA in ArteSense™ stimulate your skin to produce its own natural collagen, which is laid down around the PMMA particles during the 3 or 4 months after ArteSense™ is injected. The long term correction volume is usually around 50% of the injected volume. This produces the final permanent and natural correction which you desire. While the effect is permanent, it will take a few months before the full effect of a treatment is apparent, and usually several treatments are required to obtain the final result you desire.

It’s important to remember that it takes 3 or 4 months for ArteSense™ to fully settle in, so you should not judge the results too soon. You need to allow time for your body to produce new collagen to anchor the PMMA microspheres in place.

How long does the ArteSense™ implant last?

Unlike collagen (which lasts 3-6 months) or hyaluronic acid (which lasts 6-12 months), the benefits of ArteSense™ treatment should be visible for at least five years or longer, depending on the location of the treatment and the nature of your skin. The implant will remain for the rest of your life.

ArteSense™ does not stop time. Due to sun damage and natural aging, new wrinkles may appear close to the site of the original implant, or existing wrinkles may gradually become deeper as time goes on. These wrinkles and skin folds can be treated with ArteSense™ if you desire in the future.

In some areas (for example, the forehead and upper lip) BOTOX® injections treatments are often used to reduce unwanted muscle movement and in this way complement the effect of the ArteSense™ treatment in those areas.

Is ArteSense™ safe?

Yes. ArteSense™ is extremely safe. More than one hundred thousand men and women in all age groups around the world have been successfully treated with ArteSense™ since 1989. Studies show that the vast majority of them were so happy with their results they would be willing to have the treatment again.

There have been no reports of rejection of the PMMA microspheres. 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.

The collagen molecules have been specially processed to minimize the risk of allergic reaction.

Less than one person in a thousand has an allergic reaction to ArteSense™, so ArteSense™ treatment can be done on the same day as your consultation.

Rarely, if the injection is made near the skin surface, the implant may appear as a light colored area. If this color difference persists, the ArteSense™ can be removed.

In less than one case in a thousand there can be excessive production of collagen and connective tissue in the treated area. If this happens, the involved area can be injected with the anti-inflammatory medication Kenalog™, or may be removed by excision.

Possible side effects include swelling, redness, slight bruising and moderate discomfort for a few days after injection. Sometimes there can be slight itching at the implantation site for several days.

What does ArteSense™ treatment feel like?

Dr. Smith has pioneered the use of ice to prevent discomfort when doing ArteSense™ treatments, and has taught this technique to other physicians at meetings across Canada and in the United States. Patients are very pleased that Dr. Smith can take good care of them without having to administer local anesthetic.

Some people find it helpful to take a couple of plain Tylenol™ and/or Advil™ an hour or two before treatment to prevent discomfort.

Who should not have ArteSense™ treatments?

• People who are allergic to collagen or bovine products
• People who are genuinely allergic to lidocaine (this is very rare)
• People who have severe rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or dermatomyositis
• People who tend to make enlarged scars (keloids)
• People who have thin, loose skin in the area to be treated
• People who have unrealistic expectations (as with any treatment, you need to have an accurate understanding of the likely benefits and risks of ArteSense™ treatment.)

Can a face-lift or other surgery be performed after an ArteSense™ implantation?

Yes. A face-lift can be performed after an ArteSense™ implantation. 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. ArteSense™ treatments can sometimes reduce or eliminate the need for a facelift or other surgery, or can delay the need for repeated surgery.

Can ArteSense™ be used during pregnancy?

There is no technical or medical reason why ArteSense™ could not be used during pregnancy, but because one's appearance often changes considerably during pregnancy, it is generally better to wait until after the baby is born before using products like ArteSense™, which are intended to produce long-lasting improvement.

Am I vain?

Many people at some time before ArteSense™ treatment for wrinkles, lip augmentation or scarring have fears and doubts. A common concern is that they are being vain. My experience has been that just about all patients who have ArteSense™, Perlane®, Restylane®, laser hair removal, BOTOX® injections treatment, and other procedures to maintain their appearance and comfort are no more vain than anyone else. What does distinguish these individuals is a desire to get the most out of life, and to look as good as they feel.

Looking after our appearance is not a fault. After all, would you leave your house with broken gutters or peeling paint? Why do less for your body? I think you should feel proud of yourself for having the will and the ability to change something that you find unacceptable. I emphasize that you should only have ArteSense™ and other treatments if it is for you. It is a big mistake to do these things if it is just for somebody else.

The same self-esteem that makes our patients successful in their chosen fields, precise in their consultation questions, well groomed and dressed, and often careful in their diet, exercise, and other aspects of health maintenance leads many of our patients to seek help for their wrinkles and frown lines. These individuals are normal healthy people, and the same degree of self-interest that prompts them to exercise, be selective in what they eat and drink, and protect themselves from sun damage leads them to explore the benefits of ArteSense™. Our patients simply want to look their best.

Pre-treatment instructions:

It is good to pamper yourself on treatment day! If you have a nice big breakfast or lunch, and an extra glass of water, you will be more comfortable. Many patients like to take a couple of plain Tylenol before treatment (similar to what you might do before having a flu shot) to prevent discomfort. As a practical matter, bruising is seldom a major problem after ArteSense™ treatment. The chance of bruising can be reduced by minimizing your consumption of ASA, alcohol and Vitamin E for 3 days before ArteSense™ treatment.

Please wear no makeup, or makeup that is easy to remove, so that the area to be treated can be clearly seen. You can bring makeup with you, and you may apply your makeup immediately after treatment.

Post-treatment instructions:

After ArteSense™ treatment, there is occasionally some pain, swelling, itching or redness at the site of injection - similar to what you could experience after any injection. You may take a couple of plain Tylenol several times a day to reduce swelling and discomfort. ASA (Aspirin) should be avoided as it may increase the chance of bruising around the treated areas. Cold compresses or ice packs can also be used to reduce any swelling, itching or discomfort. Redness may last for 1 - 2 days, occasionally longer in some patients. Until the initial swelling and redness have resolved, do not expose the treated area to intense heat (e.g. hot packs or sunbathing), or to intense cold.

In order to allow the implant to stabilize, try to avoid excessive movement of your facial muscles in the treated areas for the next few days, and in particular during the first 12 hours after your ArteSense™ treatment.

The implant may feel somewhat firm at first, however, it will soften over time as your body produces its own natural collagen and connective tissue. As time goes on, you may be able to feel the ArteSense™ implant under your skin because you know where to find it, but the only thing other people should be aware of is the long-lasting improvement in your appearance.

ArteSense™ For long-lasting correction of wrinkles and scars

Consultations about ArteSense™ can usually be arranged within two or three weeks simply by calling our special ArteSense™ line Toll Free: 1-866-707-3222. Treatment can be done the same day as the consultation, if you wish.

Our staff can take the time to discuss your wishes and options, and answer your questions. No referral is required.

Niagara Falls Dermatology & Skin Care Centre Limited
Kevin Smith, MD, FRCPC Dermatologist
Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Board Certified in the United States by the American Board of Dermatology
Suite 201, 6453 Morrison Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario

Please call us Toll Free: 1-866-707-3222 if you have any questions, and to arrange for a prompt, confidential consultation and treatment. No referral is needed.