oPinion | AESTHETIC MEdICInE | Table 1 Advantages of Artiste
■ Smooth delivery ■ Consistent flow ■ Designed to assist with injection placement, speed and volume ■ Allows the use of smaller gauge needles ■ Provides ease of use with less hand fatigue ■ Simplifies the injection process by using CO2
which automates the manual injection process ■ Delivers sterile materials without thumb fatigue ■ Compact and efficient design ■ Simple to set up and operate
complications. After using it a few times, I
quickly realised that this assisted injection system provided many advantages to the clinician when performing treatments. It has proven its effectiveness in decreasing the amount of bruising, swelling and side-effects commonly seen with other injection techniques. In addition, the system is not specific to
any single range of products and can be used with any glass syringe dermal filler product with a circular flange. Many commercially available syringes can be accommodated by the different hand pieces available. It should be noted, however, that the Radiesse flange is curved, which does not fit into the system. When using a product such as Radiesse, a Sterile Rapid-Fill Connector, Luer-Lock to Luer-Lock transfer device, must be attached, which is found in the accessory kit that comes with the product, so that it can be used. Artiste is an effective alternative to the
manual injection of fillers. The clinician simply connects a syringe of sterile material to the Artiste handpiece and presses a foot pedal to allow compressed CO2
results in consistent aesthetic outcomes. When used properly, this technology can help physicians perform treatments better and more effectively. Rather than using the thumb on a
plunger, a foot pedal is used to release compressed gas, which pushes the contents out of the syringe. The system is flexible as the opportunity to change the amount of pressure that you are injecting at is available. The variability of this system in allowing the injector to dial in a particular speed for the injection is a big plus.
gas to
dispense the contents of the syringe at a preset constant rate, minimising hand fatigue, allowing for a smoother delivery and result, and making it a more comfortable experience for the patient. For busy injectors who are consistently
undertaking multiple syringe treatments, this is a unique tool that aids injectors with more consistent pressure than the thumb and with greatly reduced hand fatigue. It provides more precise control of injection placement, speed and volume than manual methods. In the author’s experience, it also allows the injector to focus on the treatment, rather than the technique. The system allows for a smooth and constant injection of product, which does not overstretch the tissues and
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Fast learning curve The system is easy to use for both experienced injectors and novices. The most significant variation is changing the focus from the thumb to the foot to push the product through the syringe and needle. The author has used Artiste for training courses and injection workshops with great success. After one or two injections, practitioners can get comfortable with this delivery system. It is important for physicians to train themselves not to direct their attention to pushing the plunger, but to focus on the aesthetic effect of filler delivery.
Benefits to the injector When injecting manually, because pressure is exerted with the thumb, practitioners often tend to go back to the syringe to see how fast the plunger is moving and whether it is moving slowly and smoothly. With assisted injections systems, it is possible to concentrate on what is happening in the skin, enabling a smoother feel. For the new injector especially, it diminishes the element of apprehension. Once you have familiarised yourself with the system, it is possible to set it to deliver exactly the right amount of product. When injecting dermal fillers for the first time, it can be difficult to focus on the end result as you will naturally be focusing on your
November/December 2011 |
prime-journal.com
technique, but injection systems can simplify this process. The pressure gauge is easily changed to
pressure rather than thumb pressure,
adjust to the different characteristics of dermal fillers that are to be injected, and to accommodate the different gauge needles used. The system would be suitable for use by all although great care and skill is required to ensure the right injection depth is gained. Artiste, for example, is also suitable for practitioners who prefer to inject quickly or at a slower pace. In addition, over time, we may be able to shorten the injection time with this system.
Advantages for patients In the author’s practice, patients have commented that using an injection system is more comfortable and they seem to require less massage following treatment. The majority of patients the author has treated also report that they have had less bruising. This may be owing to the fact that the system permits the use of smaller gauge needles. The author now routinely uses a 30 gauge to deliver a heavy hyaluronic acid with the system. The feedback from patients is that they are pleased with the outcome and experience. The author uses Artiste to treat perioral
lines, oral commissures, volumising, and liquid facelifts, or pan facial rejuvenation treatments. In patients who had been injected previously, the addition of Artiste was well received. They reported that discomfort was improved and the total experience of having a dermal filler was more tolerable and pleasant. The main advantage is the comfort of the patient.
Conclusions Assisted injection systems offer a useful tool for clinicians, advanced courses and introductory training initiatives. It is an efficient CO2
-powered device developed to
assist day-to-day clinical practice. Artiste offers cosmetic doctors, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and other health professionals a highly effective alternative to the manual injection of dermal fillers. Over the years, we have seen devices come and go that claim to offer improvements in the way we deliver aesthetic treatments. However, we have yet to use a system that presents the ease, speed and comfort that we can achieve using this tool.
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