ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of polymethylmethacrylate/PMMA (Artecoll) as an injectable dermal filler after using laser, radiofrequency and intensive pulse light. Methods In vitro, factional photothermolysis (Affirm) was directly used on the PMMA to see if there was any change in the structure or surface smoothness. In vivo, pig and guinea pig were used as the short-term and long-term models, respectively, for Artecoll. The dermal filler was first injected and then laser treatments conducted.The skin sample was observed through light microscope, scanning electronic microscope and transmission electronic microscope to see whether there were any structural changes, infiltration of inflammatory cells and the regeneration of collagen. Results Through the microscopic observation of in vitro experiment and the animal models, no distortion or rupture of the microsphere were found after the laser treatment. No uneven surface was found in the PMMA microsphere either. The microshpere was surrounded by the inflammatory cells. The infiltration was mild to intermediate with few foreign body giant cells even after several treatments of laser. There was no macrophage seen. But the collagen regeneration was distinguishable after the laser treatment. No obvious structural change was found eventually. Conclusion Artecoll is a safe and effective permanent injectable dermal filler for wrinkle reduction and contour refining.