At last count, Americans have spent nearly $13 billion on cosmetic procedures that consist mostly of non-invasive and temporary treatments.

However, the newest injectable wrinkle filler product on the market promises what no other filler can - it's permanent. ArteFill is the first permanent injectable filler.

Made of bovine collagen and synthetic microspheres, ArteFill is non-absorbable, which means it stays intact under the skin for years. Five year studies performed by the company show ArteFill actually stimulates the body's own collagen, which means appearance can actually improve over time.

"As you age and that line drops, then this product will drop just along with that line," said Michael Maris, a Dallas dermatologist. "So, it should stay in the same place and keep a correlation."

Dr. Maris said the product right now is only FDA approved for the so-called frown lines that run from the nose down to the mouth; and Dr. Maris and Dr. Jeffrey Adelglass are the first two North Texas doctors to use the treatment.

The filler requires a skin test about a month before the injection, and some people do experience mild swelling and redness.

However, ArteFill is so long-lasting, in the wrong hands, mistakes could last a lifetime as well.

"You can have redness, bumps, lumps, granulomas, things like that," Dr. Adelglass said.

He also said people can have allergic reactions to the product.

Serious side effects, according to research, are relatively low. But experts admit needle technique can be very important.

A single treatment of ArteFill costs about $1,800 and patients might need two treatments for the best effect. But doctors say in the long run it's cheaper than temporary fillers.

In about the time of a coffee break, Joel Ray, who went in for the treatment, watched frown lines virtually disappear.

"I'm ecstatic," Ray said. "I can see the difference."

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com