Polymethylmethacrylate microspheres/collagen as a tissue augmenting agent: personal experience over 5 years.

BACKGROUND Polymethylmethacrylate microspheres/collagen has been used in Canada since 1998. A closely related product will probably be approved in the United States shortly. Concerns have been expressed about the use of permanent fillers such as this. OBJECTIVE This retrospective study of the authors' clinical practice is designed to reflect their experience with this agent. In particular, the authors describe some of the problems they have seen. RESULTS Polymethylmethacrylate microspheres/collagen has behaved as a satisfactory long-term tissue augmenting agent in the authors' practice. They have had the opportunity of managing any number of patients with Artecoll granulomas and describe these patients. CONCLUSION When polymethylmethacrylate microspheres/collagen is introduced to the United States, practitioners will need to learn how to use this exacting agent and will obtain excellent results with careful use.