Belotero Balance is an injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) filler that’s FDA-approved to smooth moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.
It's similar to other hyaluronic acid-based fillers, like Juvéderm and Restylane, but Belotero Balance is ultra lightweight and easy to layer, so it can be injected into very fine lines without creating lumps or bumps. It’s commonly used to minimize etched-in lip lines, crow’s feet, smile lines, and marionette lines.
“Belotero is a softer filler that’s great for superficial creases, especially lip lines [aka smoker’s lines] and chin wrinkling,” says Dr. Dilip Madnani, a facial plastic surgeon in New York City. “It’s also used off-label to soften the under-eye tear troughs.”
Some providers use it in conjunction with Botox, to smooth deep glabellar lines (frown lines).
It can also be used to subtly plump lips, though most injectors prefer Juvéderm Ultra or Restylane Kysse.
It’s not the go-to solution for contouring the facial framework or building up the cheekbones. “Areas such as the cheeks usually require a more robust filler,” explains Dr. Madnani, “so Belotero can be combined with other fillers for optimal results.”
Pros
Cons
Your Belotero cost will depend on your provider’s office location, their level of experience, and how much filler you need. Most practices charge by the syringe, typically charging $400–$600 per syringe in the U.S.
This is an elective cosmetic treatment that’s not covered by insurance.
The Belotero photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes.
Belotero is FDA-approved and safe for use when injected by a trained medical professional with extensive experience and an intimate knowledge of facial anatomy.
Even in qualified hands, Belotero, like all dermal fillers and cosmetic treatments, can cause temporary and long-term complications.
The risks and side effects of Belotero include:
Before getting HA filler injections, make sure your injector has ample hyaluronidase on hand in case of emergency. This enzyme-based shot can quickly dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers like Belotero. It can also be used to fix less dire mistakes, effectively melting lumps and correcting overfilled areas.
Ask your injector how to reach them (or someone on their team) after hours, in case you have questions or problems once the office closes.
Related: A Quick Shot of Under-Eye Filler Can Do Away With Dark Circles. What's the Catch?
There’s little to no downtime after a Belotero treatment. “You may experience some bruising and swelling at the injection sites for a few days,” says Dr. Madnani, but most people can go right back to work and resume their daily activities immediately after the procedure.
Avoid these things for at least 24 hours afterward, to help reduce swelling:
Dr. Kristin Tarbet, an oculoplastic surgeon in Bellevue, Washington, suggests taking an antihistamine (like Claritin) to combat swelling. If any symptoms persist after seven days, call your provider.
You’ll notice increased volume immediately, but you won’t see your final results for one to two weeks, after any swelling has completely gone down.
Dr. Madnani has all his patients return for a follow-up appointment after two weeks, to evaluate their results. In rare cases, he makes adjustments at that point.
Belotero is often paired with other skin-rejuvenation treatments. “A combination approach will give the most improvement,” says West Hollywood, California, dermatologic surgeon Dr. Jason Emer. For example, he likes to combine Belotero with a laser treatment or microneedling with PRP, to improve the area under the eyes.
Related: The Treatments and Ingredients Actually Proven to Reduce Wrinkles
Belotero filler usually lasts up to a year, although it tends not to last as long in areas that move a lot—and everyone metabolizes fillers differently.
Juvéderm and Restylane are the most popular and widely used hyaluronic acid fillers in dermatology and plastic surgery practices. They’re similar to Belotero, but the formulations vary in myriad ways, including HA concentrations and molecular weight, specific cross-linking technologies, and more.
Differences in chemistry give fillers their unique properties, like viscosity, elasticity, cohesivity, and longevity. These properties determine the filler’s effects as well as appropriate placement and usage.
When comparing Belotero and Juvéderm, there are some key similarities and differences to be aware of.
Along with Juvéderm, Restylane, and RHA hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, there are a number of different injectable volumizers available, made from other materials. You and your doctor may choose one over the other, depending on your facial anatomy and concerns.
Updated September 8, 2022