Here's how it works

PMMA (polymethyl-methacrylate) fillers contain about 20 percent of tiny PMMA microspheres that are suspended in 80 percent purified collagen gel. A few months after it is injected, the collagen gel breaks down and your body produces its own natural collagen to fill out the space under the skin.

This type of dermal filler, considered semi-permanent, is most often used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles, folds and furrows, particularly nasolabial folds. It can also be used to fill out pitted scars and to augment thin lips.

When a more permanent solution to facial wrinkles is desired, PMMA is often used instead of collagen replacement therapy or hyaluronic therapy. PMMA has been used for many years in permanent surgical implants. Because of this, your surgeon will likely under-fill on the first treatment, adding more later if needed.

One of the downsides of PMMA is that a number of injections are needed to create volume and it can take up to three months to realize the full effects. It may also be visible under the skin. To avoid any unwanted results, it's key that your plastic surgeon is familiar with the proper technique, which involves injection at the dermal subcutaneous junction using threading or tunneling methods.

PMMA, properly delivered, offers long-lasting results.

The only brand of PMMA that's FDA approved is Artefill.

Choose a qualified plastic surgeon

PMMA injections are sometimes performed with no medical oversight, often in conjunction with facial spa treatments. You can avoid any risks or complications and achieve optimal results by visiting a qualified plastic surgeon. Although the surgeon may not perform the procedure, you can rest assured that the surgeon's employees are properly trained and supervised.