[Treatment of wrinkles by Artecoll implant and resurfacing with the CO2 laser]. / Faltenbehandlung durch Unterfütterung mit Artecoll und Resurfacing mit dem CO2-Laser.

In general, all biological materials are resorbed in places where they do not belong. Therefore, artificial substances have to be implanted under deep skin folds and skin defects in order to achieve a permanent skin augmentation. Artecoll, a suspension of polymethylmetcrylate (PMMA)-microspheres in collagen solution, has been proven, for more than 5 years, to underlay wrinkles effectively without noticeable side-effects. Small wrinkles around the eyes, the mouth and cheeks, however, have to be treated by dermabrasion, chemical peel or vaporization by CO2-laser. Using all three methods, the effectiveness depends on the depth of skin traumatisation. Resurfacing using the CO2-laser has the advantage of absolute precision, no bleeding, less swelling and faster healing-but still high costs.