Orange County Plastic Surgeon’s Study on Artefill Published in Respected Surgical Journal

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Dr. Dan Mills, a plastic surgeon in Laguna Beach, was recently published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal for his work with a long-lasting injectable dermal filler.

Laguna Beach, CA – The Aesthetic Surgery Journal, also known as ASJ, is a highly respected peer-reviewed journal for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Daniel Mills, an Orange County plastic surgeon, was recently published in this journal for his study on Artefill^®, an injectable dermal filler used to smooth wrinkles and improve volume in the cheeks. Dr. Mills’ work, titled “Malar Augmentation with a PMMA-enhanced filler, Assessment of a 12 month open-label pilot study,” explores the effects of the permanent filler, which is the only cosmetic injectable of its kind to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The major difference between Artefill^® and other injectable dermal fillers is that it stays below the skin’s surface, above the fat layer, without being absorbed by the body. Artefill^® is made up of tiny beads of poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which, once injected, allow for the body to form its own collagen around the beads, leading to permanent results that consistently improve over time.

The 12-month study followed 24 patients to examine the outcome of Artefill^® injections with the intent to increase cheek volume. The study found no negative outcomes and concluded the permanent dermal filler is a safe and effective way to achieve successful cheek augmentation.

When asked about the importance of plastic surgeons publishing their work in peer-reviewed journals like ASJ, Dr. Mills says, “it allows other plastic surgeons to further their knowledge of aesthetic surgery without having to do the study themselves.” He adds it is most impactful when another fellow surgeon they trust and respect presents the research.

Dr. Mills explains he chose to conduct a study on Artefill^® because he was looking for a way to add volume to his patients’ cheeks and mid-face without the need for surgical intervention, as is necessary for methods such as fat grafting. He also notes he wanted a solution that provided his patients with a longer-lasting result when compared to Juvéderm^® or Restylane^®, dermal fillers that are more commonly used in his Orange County plastic surgery practice.

Dr. Mills says having the results of his study published in ASJ is meaningful to him because much like his fellow surgeons, he looks to ASJ as a resource for information on aesthetic plastic surgery. He explains that ASJ has the largest amount of peer-reviewed articles strictly on the topic of aesthetic surgery, and the size of the audience it reaches is “impressive for a small journal.”

According to Dr. Mills, unbiased studies like his can ultimately lead to advancements in patient care and safety because it allows board-certified plastic surgeons to make better choices when selecting treatments for their patients. He says these studies also give surgeons ideas for tools and options that help to increase benefits and prevent potential complications.

About Daniel C. Mills, MD, FACS

Dr. Daniel Mills is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fifteen years of experience in private practice. He is currently serving as treasurer for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Mills is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At his practice, Dr. Mills offers a variety of treatments and procedures including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, facelift, and more. Outside of cosmetic plastic surgery, he uses his skills and expertise to benefit others through his partnerships with charitable organizations, helping children in need who have congenital deformities or burn scars.

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