Artefill Vs Juvederm: Similarities And Differences Explained

Are Juvederm and ArteFill both hyaluronic acid fillers?

ArteFill is a type of permanent dermal filler that is made of non-resorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. These PMMA microparticles are suspended in a water-based carrier gel composed of 3.5% bovine collagen, 92.6% buffered, isotonic water for injection, 0.3% lidocaine hydrochloride, 2.7% phosphate buffer, and 0.9% sodium chloride. Once injected into the nasolabial folds, the bovine collagen instantly plumps facial wrinkles while the PMMA microspheres act as supportive framework for the fibroblasts, which are collagen-producing cells, to synthesize more collagen fibers onto so that the weakened skin structure is reinforced.

On the other hand, Juvederm fillers are made of completely synthetic and bioresorbable hyaluronic acid molecules that are cross-linked with each other. Since the Juvederm collection has varying degrees of hyaluronic acid concentrations and gel textures, these fillers are suitable for the correction of numerous dermal issues, including premature aging signs, facial wrinkles, scars, loss of facial contours, loss of facial volume. Some Juvederm fillers can also non-surgically augment the chin, lips, and nose. Juvederm Hydrate, a skin-rejuvenating filler, is integrated with mannitol, an antioxidant, to protect the skin and filler from free radical damage.

ArteFill and some Juvederm fillers contain 0.3% lidocaine to help alleviate pain during injections.

How do the safety and efficacy of ArteFill and Juvederm fillers compare?

When comparing these two fillers, it is important to keep in mind that ArteFill is a permanent filler and Juvederm is a temporary filler.

These fillers have undergone in-depth clinical studies to prove their efficacy and safety. One of the major controlled clinical studies that established ArteFill’s efficacy was done on a total of 251 patients. These patients were randomly separated into two groups: one group of 128 patients, who were treated using ArteFill, and another group of 123 patients, who were treated with a commercially available collagen implant. Individuals who received ArteFill injections displayed significant nasolabial fold correction at three, six, and 12 months compared to the other collagen control group at similar time points. ArteFill’s safety was evaluated by comparing the occurrence and severity of side effects during the treatment session and for five years after said session. The treatment for 90% of the control group was graded as “completely successful” or “very successful” by researchers. In addition, 90% of these patients were also “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the treatment.

A Juvederm filler that is comparable in terms of efficacy and safety to ArteFill is Juvederm Voluma XC. In 2013, it was approved for use in correcting age-related volume deficit in the cheek regions by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A study evaluated 282 patients with moderate to deep-set midface volume deficit being treated using Juvederm Voluma XC; 86% of these subjects showed a one-point aesthetic improvement on the MidFace Volume Deficit Scale (MFVDS) six months after the initial evaluation. At a follow-up at 24 months, 44.6% of the treated patients sustained those dermal improvements with very minimal incidences of side effects. Both brands of fillers can be used safely and confidently on patients.

Which filler works better at correcting dermal issues long-term?

Patients who are looking for a permanent solution to their aesthetic issues should opt for ArteFill because the PMMA beads are left permanently in the skin to act as base for new and healthy collagen fibers to develop. The treated areas remain smooth and plump for a substantial amount of time, as attested to by the results of the long-term clinical study done using ArteFill. However, ArteFill and other permanent fillers are not recommended as a first-time facial filler treatment.

Juvederm fillers still deliver long-lasting skin improvements, but the results will gradually wear off, as the hyaluronic acid implants are completely biodegradable. Patients can even receive Juvederm filler injections to test the aesthetic outcomes before they opt for a permanent ArteFill implant.

Can I use both ArteFill and Juvederm?

ArteFill and some Juvederm fillers, like Juvederm Ultra, are sometimes used by doctors in the same area. With a combination treatment, patients will likely have to wait between the injection sessions. For best results, a Juvederm filler may be injected on top of ArteFill to correct both deep-set and more superficial wrinkles. With such a procedure, the treated region(s) look volumized while still retaining a natural-looking appearance.

When choosing between a permanent and a non-permanent filler, you should take price, results, and your own preference into consideration. Should you not be happy with the results of ArteFill, you may need to have the filler surgically removed. Juvederm, on the other hand, is temporary and will be resorbed into the surrounding tissues over time.