Will Bellafill results improve over time? 4 days after injections it looks like I never had anything done.

Question

I have had under eye bags and shadows there since my teens. I have tried belotero and juvederm with less than satisfactory effects. I went for a consultation and was encouraged to try bellafill to build up my cheeks and malar region to reduce the bags. Immediately after the injections (3 syringes plus we did a thread lift) I could see some improvement but here I am 4 days later and it looks like I never had anything done. Can I expect dramatic results to develop in the coming months?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Bellafill can cause swelling as with other fillers. Our office specializes in the removal of Artefill and Bellafill if granulomas develop. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Robert D. Wilcox, MD · Answer

Dear Christine503,
  
Your results will definitely improve.  You should anticipate maximum improvement by six months and should continue to have collagen build-up four years afterwards.  When you were injected, the microspheres are surrounded by bovine (beef) collagen and an inflammatory response ensues.  That bovine collagen is degraded and then replaced by your own human collagen.  It will take six months to see the maximum effect there.  Be patient and I hope your injector took good before pictures to accurate assess your improvement.  Keep in mind three syringes is not a large amount for the cheeks and malar region that you did and you may very well need two more syringes.  I hope this has been helpful. 
Robert D. Wilcox, M.D.

Annika Crosby, MD · Answer

Bellafill is made up of 80% collagen and 20% PMMA particles, which over time improves the texture of your skin by supporting your own natural collagen production.  Only FDA filler to last 5 years.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

Bellafill is a combination of Bovine collagen and PMMA microspheres. The collagen is removed by the body in about 4-6 weeks. The body creates collagen in response to the PMMA over the course of several weeks. The results of Bellafill take a few months. The results will actually get slight better with time, even months or years later. It is way too early to decide upon the outcome at this point. More can always be added. Remember, additional Bellfill to this area is additive for the long term, unlike HA fillers that have a temporary improvement.

Will Bellafill results improve over time? 4 days after injections it looks like I never had anything done.

Answers (5)