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Bellafill and Its Uses


What is Bellafill and What is it Used For?

In this anti-aging article, you’ll learn more about many different questions that my patients often ask about the dermal filler Belafill.

My name is Dr. Aeria Chang. Since 2008, I’ve administered thousands of Bellafill injections at my practice in Mission Valley.

Read on to learn more about this product, and feel free to call me any time if you have questions.

What is Bellafill?

Bellafill is a gel-like dermal filler that is injected under the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and creases. This filler is unique because it is made from a substance called PMMA, or polymethyl methacrylate.

The PMMA is a spherical shape (a 3D circle) so that it can be evenly dispersed under the skin for the smoothest appearance possible. It is often referred to as “bovine collagen.”

What is Bellafill Used For?

Bellafill is most often used around the mouth for vertical lipstick lines and around the nose (nasolabial folds). It is also used to fill in deep scars such as acne pitting and scars left from surgery or a physical trauma.

Bellafill can replace lost facial volume in areas that have been affected by the aging process. These facial areas include the cheeks, lips, and chin. Additionally, it can be used to do a “liquid rhinoplasty,” commonly referred to as a “non-surgical nose job.”

This dermal filler can also be used to help correct bags under the eyes, which is one of the first areas where people notice the signs of aging. This area is called the “tear trough” because it runs from the inner tear duct to the outer eye in a semi-circular shape under the eyes.

How Long Does Bellafill Last?

Bellafill is one of the longest lasting dermal fillers on the market. Where the average filler product lasts about 1-2 years, Bellafill lasts up to 5 years. This saves you money, time, and the need to go back for injections on an annual basis.

The reason it lasts so long is because PMMA prompts your body to make collagen wherever it has been injected. This means ongoing improvement occurs in the treated areas for several years after injection.

How Much Does Bellafill Cost?

The cost of Bellafill largely depends on where you live. Prices vary state-to-state, and you can expect to pay more for injections if you live in a city or metropolitan area.

You will pay for Bellafill by the syringe. If you are having your cheeks filled, for example, expect to purchase several syringes to accomplish your aesthetic goals.

For nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth or to have vertical lipstick lines filled in, you might only need one syringe in total. The price for one syringe is about $1000 to $1200.

Does Bellafill Hurt?

This product is delivered through a small gauge needle, which can cause some discomfort during injection. However, Bellafill contains a numbing substance called lidocaine, which will help the procedure feel more comfortable.

How to Remove Bellafill

Bellafill is considered a long term, semi-permanent dermal filler. This means that once it is injected, it cannot be dissolved or removed from the treated area.

Unlike hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that can be removed or dissolved with hyaluronidase injections, PMMA stays put in the skin once it is injected there.

For this reason, I always test a small amount of Bellafill on the under side of the arm to see if my patient has a reaction to the product. This allergy testing ahead of time helps to avoid any unpleasant surprises after injecting it into the face, nose, or lips.

Call me today at (619) 280-1609 to book your Bellafill injections in San Diego. Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine has been one of the leading destinations for fillers, muscle relaxer injections, and advanced skin procedures since 2008.

How to Remove Bellafill

Bellafill contains molecules called PMMA, or polymethylmethacrylate, which is a sphere surrounded by a gel made from bovine (cow) collagen. Lidocaine is included in the formula to help make injections more comfortable.

Once the PMMA microspheres have been injected into the skin they cannot be removed. In rare instances when absolutely necessary, a plastic surgeon can surgically cut out as much PMMA as possible from a treated area, but it usually cannot be fully removed.

Because it is considered a semi-permanent treatment, your doctor will first inject a small amount of Belafill under the skin in the forearm about a month prior to performing any cosmetic filler treatments on the face.

This test will almost always reveal any allergy or sensitivity to the product so that your doctor can decide whether Bellafill (or another type of filler) is appropriate for each individual.

Bellafill can take up to 5 years to be re-absorbed (removed) by the body.

Is Bellafill Worth It

When you look at reviews of Bellafill on sites like RealSelf, 73% of patients said Bellafill was worth it. Some of the positive comments about this filler were:

  • It looks natural

  • Very long lasting

  • Effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and creases

  • Immediate results, with continued improvement over time

  • Works well in combination with other treatments such as laser skin resurfacing

Where Can Bellafill Be Used

Bellafill is used for the following purposes:

  • Volume restoration in the cheeks

  • Filling in nasolabial folds around the mouth and nose

  • Reduction of acne scars on the face and body

  • Plumping the lips (lip filler)

  • Reduction of scars caused by trauma or surgery

  • Improvement of under eye circles and hollows (tear trough)

  • Improving vertical lipstick lines around the mouth

  • Filling of deep wrinkles and creases on the face

Does Bellafill Really Work

Yes. Bellafill offers immediate improvement of wrinkles, creases, and volume loss with continued improvement over time. Improvements are possible because the PMMA microspheres in Bellafill prompt the body to produce collagen in the treated areas.

How Bellafill Works

Bellafill boosts collagen production in the areas where it has been injected. An increase of collagen in shallow areas, deep wrinkles/creases, and deep scars will help your body “fill in” these areas with collagen, thus looking better and better over time.

Is Bellafill Dangerous

No. Bellafill is FDA-approved for injection under the skin. For individuals who are not allergic to or sensitive to the ingredients, side effects are generally mild and temporary. These side effects include redness and swelling at the injections site for about 24 hours. Other possible side effects include mild bruising, rash, or itching.

Less commonly, granulomas (lumps) can occur. If these occur, your doctor can address this fairly easily.

Can Bellafill Be Dissolved

No. Bellafill is made from PMMA, or modified bovine collagen microspheres. These microspheres remain in the treated area for up to 5 years after treatment. Because it is considered a semi-permanent filler, a small amount is first injected under the skin of the forearm about one month before treatment. This helps to rule out any allergy or sensitivity to the product.

Additionally, when injections are administered, your doctor should always take a conservative approach so patients are not over-injected. Over-injecting usually results in dissatisfaction and an unnatural appearance.

Does Bellafill Migrate

If post-treatment instructions are followed (such as not pressing on the injection site), Bellafill will not migrate outside of where it was injected.

How Long Does Bellafill Last in Nose

Bellafill offers continuous improvement in the nose for up to 5 years. This filler is one of the most long-lasting products on the market, which makes it a highly desirable solution to dents, bumps, and scars on the nose.

It can also be used to smooth away and fill in defects and depressions in the nose for cosmetic improvement without surgery.

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Patient Stories Dr. Chang has an eye for symmetry and aesthetics. I went in for a consultation to have fillers under my eyes. Instead I was educated on my facial anatomy. I agreed to some fillers in my forehead and cheeks instead and could not be more pleased with the outcome.
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