How can I remove Bellafill surgically? (Photo)

Question

I hade bellafill injected into my cheecks 2 years ago. Id like to remove it surgically. How this procedure is done? Is this done from the inside of the mouth? It feels like the bellafill is not spreading throughout my cheeks, it more in one piece. Im loooking for a surgeon who can do it. Im attaching some pictures. Thank you,

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The use of permanent fillers is fraught with the risk of permanent problems should the results prove unsatisfactory or if complications can occur. For this reason, I have been cautioning my regular readers for years to exercise a great deal of caution when considering their use. Understandably, the idea of a permanent results is enticing. But, permanent adverse effects can be extremely difficult to deal with, and they can occur immediately following treatment or even five, ten or twenty+ years later, especially when there is some form of manipulation (such as dental work nearby) in the vicinity of the filler. Since, the liquid permanent filler, once injected, intercalates itself between the normal tissues and engenders a fibrous reaction (which is the method it works), it is difficult, even with surgery to remove, and surgery risks leaving more troublesome and unsightly scars.   I have had, however, gratifying results using an algorithm of varying combinations, concentrations and amounts of intralesional anti-inflammatory agents in persons who have come to me for treatment of this very troubling problem. Make sure to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Filler migration and granuloma formation can cause longterm problems with Bellafill and Artefill fillers. This is similar in patients who have Artecoll and PMMA fillers. Longterm filler complications include migration, edema, chronic swelling, and nodularity. If patients have filler migration or nodules, we recommend a combination approach of filler reversal with enzymes, corticosteroids, and scar tissue modulators. Our HIDEF approach can break down filler scarring and granulomas so that they are less apparent. If the filler material itself does not dissolve, it either means the filler is likely not HA material or is unresponsive to conservative therapy. This technique may be followed by surgical removal of the filler if there is a suitable target for removal and the chance of scarring is low.

Surgical removal of Bellafill is possible and we have a wide ranging experience with the treatment. Some areas of the face can be treated because the Bellafill removal scars are barely visible. We have found that Bellafill nodules, if palpated, can be removed from the tissue. Undereye Bellafill, nasolabial fold Bellafill, and lip filler can be treated successfully. Diffuse Bellafill is difficult to treat.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Surgical removal of Bellafill is possible and we have a wide ranging experience with the treatment. Some areas of the face can be treated because the Bellafill removal scars are barely visible. We have found that Bellafill nodules, if palpated, can be removed from the tissue. Undereye Bellafill, nasolabial fold Bellafill, and lip filler can be treated successfully. Diffuse Bellafill is difficult to treat.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Barry Ginsburg, MD · Answer

Theoretically bellafill can be removed surgically.  You would have to consult a plastic surgeon or maxillo-facial surgeon.   Another option to try is injecting cortisone into the areas as bellafill stimulates collagen injection and intralesional injection of collagen can dissolve some of the excess collagen.. It would take several session.

How can I remove Bellafill surgically? (Photo)

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