New Filler Claims Better Lips and Smoother Skin

Look out, Juvederm and Restalyne, there’s a new filler on the block. Belotero, which has already been approved for use in several European countries, recently received FDA approval for the United States as well. As the latest product in a growing market of fillers, here’s what you need to know:

What is it?

Beletero is a hyaluronic acid-based filler that temporarily treats wrinkles and fine lines, or adds volume to various body parts.

What makes it different from other fillers?

Plastic surgeon Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc, who trains other doctors to use Belotero, says it is a smoother substance than its competitors, making it ideal for fine lines and lips. He says this also makes the injection less traumatic to surrounding tissue.

Moreover, the company says this filler mixes into the tissue so well that the treated region cannot be as easily felt as other products.

Where can it be injected?

Because of it’s smooth texture, dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer say Belotero is “well suited for very fine lines and wrinkles such as those above the lips or crows feet.”

It can be used for other lines as well. In fact, Dr. Beer has found that by layering it with heavier fillers he can produce a very natural result in deeper wrinkles.

How long does it last?

In the FDA double blind study, two out of three of the test subjects who used Belotero still had visible effects on the wrinkles 9 months after the injection. Most patients tend to schedule follow-up appointments six months to a year later.

As for how long the procedure lasts, a typical treatment takes about 20 minutes to administer.

Are there any side effects?

In test studies, patients did not suffer from any major side effects. However, minor side effects such as moderate bruising and swelling, which are not uncommon with filler use, were noted in some cases.

What does it look like?

Although it is too early to have many American doctors’ before-and-after photos, Dr. Beer shared this with us to show the results of Belotero to plump lips:

So far Belotero has two positive reviews from the UK -- if you've tried it, let us know!

Photo credits: Aleksandr Markin/Deposit Photos; Kenneth Beer, MD