What Is Bellafill?
Bellafill is FDA-approved polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) collagen filler that has been in existence for over a decade and is used for the long-term correction of nasolabial folds, commonly known as smile lines. The collagen filler is made of 80% bovine collagen and 20% PMMA microspheres, which are responsible for the results achieved. The collagen will provide an immediate lift and volume while the PMMA microspheres are responsible for creating a matrix that supports the production of collagen.
Am I a Good Candidate for Bellafill?
If you are looking for a more long-term correction of the smile lines, Bellafill is the perfect treatment option. Bellafill is different from the typical filler because it creates a scaffolding which stimulates your own body to product more collagen over-time. Most patients notice the immediate filling but get better results with time. This means that they look better at 6 months after Bellafill than immediately after the Bellafill. To get the best results, you may need a few sessions of Bellafill at 4- 6-week intervals. This will result in a natural appearance.
Where can Bellafill Be Used?
Bellafill is a non-surgical procedure that is ideal for a longer-term correction of the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, tear-troughs, temples, cheek-bone area, and acne scars. The procedure requires at least 2 visits to the physician’s office. During your first visit, the physician will place a test amount of Bellafill to make sure that you are not allergic to it. The test spot is usually placed in the arm and watched for 1 month to ensure that you do not have an allergic reaction to Bellafill. You then will return for the Bellafill injections in the face.
When Will I See Visible Changes?
The results from the Bellafill procedure are immediate because the collagen causes immediate filling. However, after 6-month, you will notice more filling as your own body produces collagen around the PMMA microspheres. Bellafill lasts for a minimum of 5-years, and most patients reported that they looked better with time.
Is Bellafill Safe for Me?
Bellafill is considered safe and low risk. Rarely, patients can have an allergy to the collagen so the 1-month test is mandatory. Bellafill is best for people who have had filler before and are happy with the results. If you have never had a filler injection, you may want to start with something less permanent like Juvaderm, Belotero, or Voluma.
What is the Recovery Time?
The good news is that you can go back to your normal activities right after the injection. Bellafill has no downtime, although you may experience temporary lumps, itching, bruising, redness, and swelling. Fortunately, these symptoms will resolve within a week.
What should I do before by Bellafill appointment?
To minimize bruising, we advise that you stop all blood thinners at least 5-days before your treatment. Do NOT stop a blood thinner is you have been directed by a physician to take a blood thinner after having had a stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or if you have an irregular heartbeat or artificial heart valve. Also, please stop over the counter pain medication and supplements that thin the blood. Pain medications to stop include Ibuprofen, Aleve, Advil, Aspirin, Midol, etc. Nutritional supplements to stop include Vitamin E, Fish-oil, Gingko, Garlic, and Ginseng. You may resume these medications and supplements 2 days after the procedure.
Benefits of Bellafill
One of the key benefits is the fact that Bellafill provides longer-term correction, and it the only filler FDA-approved for the correction of acne scars. However, it is advisable to talk to your physician about what you want to achieve. Bellafill cannot be injected into the lips or in someone who is allergic to Bellafill. Since there are several less long-term fillers on the market, it is important to discuss your options with a medical physician. During the initial consultation, you will be given an explanation as to what happens to the face as we age and the opportunity to view before and after photos. You will need to discuss with your physician if Bellafill is the correct corrective option for you.