I am one of many unfortunate victims of an injectible filler called Artecoll. I have been left with lumps (plexiglass beads) in my lips and face that are permanent and will never go away. Artecoll has not been sold in Canada since mid-2009 and is considered a recall by Health Canada. The product has had a handful of names, the current one being Artesense, but it is the same product, a combination of bovine collagen and plexiglass beads.

Late granulomatous reactions, i.e. raised, red and inflamed areas (granulomas), resulting in permanent lumps in the injection sites...THIS LATE ONSET REACTION OCCURS APPROX. 2+ YRS AFTER INJECTIONS, AND HEALTH CANADA APPROVED THE PRODUCT WITH INADEQUATE TWO-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY! The FDA (the US) took six years longer to approve Artecoll, and did a FIVE year follow-up, with conditions that it only be used as an implant, such as in the nasolabial folds, and STATED THAT INJECTION FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE WAS ILLEGAL. Even so, women lined up around the block to have it put into their lips or wherever, and doctors since then, including nonspecialists, have been happily profiting. Unfortunately, anyone injected, whether they have a negative reaction short-term, or 2+ yrs later, they (you?) will ALL have plexiglass beads in their faces for life. Those who react negatively, whether soon or delayed, will be left to suffer disfigurement, lumps and potential scarring for the rest of their lives.

The manufacturer of this lovely product, now called Artesense, distributed by Canderm, is called Rofil and is located in the Netherlands (hm?). The owner of the company was charged in the past with injecting people illegally (google Artecoll lawsuit lemperle), has now disassociated himself from the company and is "just a stockholder".

If you know of anyone whose face has been ruined by Artecoll, Artefill, Arteplast, Artesense (and whatever next name they come up with for the same dangerous product), then please post here and also PM me, whether they were injected in the US or in Canada.

Ask for a filler that isn't permanent. If you did your research, you'll find the best plastic surgeons will NOT use Artesense. There are more respected fillers which break down in time, without significant risk of a lumpy, disfigured face for life.

Hello

I am sorry to hear what you have had to go through. I do hope that your post will help others to take action. It is not surprising that wherever there is money to be made there are people prepared to damage others in the pursuit of a dollar. It is very sad and I am so sorry that you have been a victim.

One positive thing through your post is that others will be made aware of this product and the potential harm it can do and will steer clear! Don't give up hope, I am suer there will be an answer for you sooner or later.

HI! I'm am so happy to read your post. Not happy to hear what you are going thru but because I am going thru the same thing. I had the injections done in my lips back in 2005. The lumps are embarrassing! People ask me all the time if I had my lips done because it's so noticeable. Now, when I smile the one side is lower than the other because of one lump being a bit larger on that side. I don't ever want to have photos taken of myself because of how it looks. I was told that this would last about a year. It's been over 6...and it's getting worse. What the hell am I going to do? I finally e-mailed the doc a few days ago because I'm running out of patience with it. He said he was sorry to hear of my problems and for me to come in to discuss the issue. For what? Is there any kind of legal action I can take or am I wasting my time? Should I find a reconstructive plastic surgeon to help me? I will never get married and have wedding photos taken of me like this. I don't want to look at those for the rest of my life...no way!

You should certainly look at taking legal action if you think that the doctor has not treated you properly. There was a very highly publicised case in the UK of an actress who had a similar problem after a lip augmentation. I do not know if the same product was sued but eventually after being treated by someone who knew how to, she now looks a lot better. Maybe you should see what he has to say and to offer first.

I had the Artecoll done to my lips about four years ago, it's been about 6 months ago now that I really noticed the lumps growing in my lips. I'm not in Canada at the moment so I'm not able to go back to the Dr that did this for me; to be perfectly honest, why would I want to go back to the one that caused this disfigurement? So my question is this, I want to have this corrected. Can anyone tell me what I can do to have this fixed? I am in the Netherlands right now and will be for the next three years, does anyone know of a Dr who is reputable and can help me with this problem.