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Cosmetic Dermatology

Bellafill®

Bellafill® to Rebuild Collagen

As part of their ongoing commitment to finding personalized treatment options for every patient, California Skin Institute providers offer Bellafill® injections for patients suffering from deep smile lines or pitted acne scars. In many cases, these problems are caused by a deterioration of the collagen fibers beneath the skin. Bellafill® filler was created with the specific purpose of increasing collagen support within the skin in the short term, and helping to rebuild collagen structures in the long term – for long-lasting effects. Although Bellafill® acne scars treatments and smile line injections are the most common uses for this dermal filler, California Skin Institute providers can also use this incredible filler on other parts of the face.

What is Bellafill®

The idea behind Bellafill® filler centers on rebuilding lost collagen in the skin. This is distinctly different from hyaluronic acid-based fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm, which rely on attracting moisture to the treatment site to build up volume. This focus on improving the supporting fiber network within the skin is what creates long-lasting effects with this dermal filler.

How Bellafill® Works

Bellafill® is designed to work in a two-step process; to provide immediate volume as well as long-term effects of collagen growth. The formulation of this filler consists of approximately 80% bovine collagen and 20% PMMA.

The immediate improvements are provided by the bovine collagen which adds volume to the treatment area and supports the skin above. However, this collagen only lasts a few months and is then broken down by the body.1,2

The long-lasting effects are provided by PMMA microspheres, which stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen in the treatment site, and create effects that last for several years.

What Bellafill® Treats

Bellafill® can be used on virtually any part of the face where the loss of collagen support networks has led to the development of skin creases and indentations. It is also commonly used to treat pitted acne scars, which do not typically respond to laser skin treatments or chemical peels, because these scars are too deep.

By providing support underneath the skin, the Bellafill® acne scars treatment reduces the depth of indentations, thus reducing the appearance of scars and creating a smoother skin texture.

How Long Does Bellafill® Last?

Bellafill® is one of the longest-lasting dermal fillers currently available on the market and typically lasts anywhere between 3 to 5 years.1,2 Such longevity of outcomes has made the Bellafill® filler very popular; however, it can be a double-edged sword if you’re working with an inexperienced provider.

For example, if your doctor uses too much of this filler, injects it incorrectly, or creates asymmetry in the face, the problem will take many years to resolve on its own.

This makes it vital to work with highly trained and experienced providers, like those at California Skin Institute. We regularly invest the time to train all of our providers in best practices and updated techniques for Bellafill® and other dermal fillers to help you achieve better outcomes.

What to Expect During Bellafill® Treatment

When you visit California Skin Institute for Bellafill® treatment, your provider will first assess your skin and conduct a skin test 30 days prior to injection, in order to ensure that this filler is the best solution for you and can be administered safely.

Once it’s been determined that Bellafill® is the right solution for you, it is important to figure out exactly how much of this filler should be used to achieve outcomes that look natural and balanced.

Typically, the Bellafill® treatment will be completed in two stages. During the first appointment, your provider will inject approximately 75% of the total volume. A second appointment will be scheduled for 1-2 months thereafter to complete the procedure. This is done to give the filler time to work, assess progress, and ensure that too much isn’t injected into the skin, as the ultimate goal is for the outcomes to look natural.

Does Bellafill® Hurt?

Bellafill® is formulated with lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic. This helps reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Your California Skin Institute provider may also use a topical anesthetic to increase comfort.

If you’d like to learn more about Bellafill®, call a California Skin Institute practice near you, or fill out the Contact Form below!

References: 1. Gottfried Lemperle, et. al., ArteFill® Permanent Injectable for Soft Tissue Augmentation: I. Mechanism of Action and Injection Techniques., Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2010 Jun;34(3):264–72. 2. Bellafill® [Instructions for Use]. San Diego, CA: Suneva Medical, Inc.; 2015.

Disclaimer

Treatment results will vary, talk to a practitioner to see if any of these treatments or procedures are right for you.

Conditions treated by Bellafill®


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