The long term effects of a new wrinkle filler is being challenged. Dr. Arnold W. Klein, a dermatologist, is launching a campaign to have ArteFill banned. Artefill is a permanent dermal filler used to decrease lines and add volume to the areas where it is injected. It appears that the number of people running to get injected is increasing rapidly. It's a huge business that's growing right along with our aging population. We are eager to rejuvenate our faces and any other parts of our anatomy that need a little plumping action. Most of the existing fillers are temporary fixes, but if they're not used properly can cause permanent damage.
Anyway, Dr. Klein is saying there haven't been enough tests done to determine the long term effects on the underlying tissue after using ArteFil. Now, I could buy into that argument, if I felt it was legit. But, I'm having a problem with Dr. Klein's credibility.
It just so happens that the good doctor has several known affiliations with Allergan, the maker of Botox and Juvaderm and Medicis, the manufacturer of Restylane. In fact, his compensation package from Allergan alone was $250,000 a year. For that much money don't you think he has to be making waves for the competition? Finding ways to make them look bad is part of his job description. Of course, Dr. Klein says his affiliations have nothing to do with his concerns about Artefil. Come on Dr. Klein do you think we're that stupid? Of course they do! Money speaks very loudly and you have proved to be all ears.
The credibility of physicians, like Dr. Klein, who decide to line their pockets by becoming consumer activists, is tainted. How can we believe they are concerned about us when they are sharing their beds with the pharmaceutical companies?
Currently, there are not very many permanent fillers available in the U.S. Artefill is the latest. It consists of microscopic-plastic participles suspended in calf collagen. When the collagen, which is the delivery system, is absorbed by the body, it's replaced by the patient's own collagen. The polymer beads are permanent and that's what keeps the area that was injected plumped. If the results are good it sure beats having new injections every 6 months. That gets very painful and very expensive.
In my opinion, whether the filler is temporary or permanent a good result lies in the hands of the person doing the injecting. These products aren't easy to work with. The injector needs to be trained by the manufacturer on just how to use it properly. They also have to possess an artist's eye. It's so important to recognize and appreciate the unique features of the face they happen to be working on. Every face is different, although these days because of inferior work, too many people end up looking exactly the same.
If the training and the artist's eye aren't part of the package you've paid for, you can end up with problems you never anticipated. So, be very careful when choosing who will be injecting you. The fate of your face is in their hands.
It is important to note that Dr. Klein is no longer a paid consultant for Allergan, and that his relationship with them ended prior to the article. Although he is still a paid consultant with Medicis. This issue isn't about corporate competition, rather it is about the long term health of the american public. The WSJ journal also referenced other doctors and there is an indication that the product may be problematic in the future. How many people have forgotten the silicone implant issues that made headlines several years ago? Then there is the question regarding Artefill's FDA submission was based upon studies for a different product, not the one that was approved. I think it is essential that questions be raised regarding products and their safety. You may question the motives of one individual, but at the end of the day, isn't it more important to carefully weigh the concerns surrounding "permanent" medical devices?
Posted by: SD Price | September 05, 2007 at 04:57 PM