Can Bellafill reduce the appearance of my acne scars? (Photo)

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars.
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars.
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars.
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring.
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

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

Permanent fillers of all kinds, including Bellafil, while enticing because they offer permanence, possess the well-known possibility for the subsequent development of complications, such as lumps and bumps, that may begin soon after treatment or as many as five, ten or twenty+ years later (and can be exceedlngly difficult to treat). Simple treatments, such as subcision to elevate and smooth indented scars (boxcar/rolling scars); TCA CROSS for improving ice pick scars & dilated pores; and professionally performed microneedling for improving skin texture/color, on the other hand, all have proven safety and efficacy track records of more than two decades. Make sure that you consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and best of luck.

Hello, and thanks for the question. Bellafill is an excellent option for filling in acne scars. It provides a long-lasting solution as compared to hyaluronic acids and other fillers on the market. Some types of acne scars are more resistant to volumzation or filling than others, so a consultation would be necessary to see if Bellafill is the best option for you. Additionally, your acne needs to be stable ( no active acne ) before a consideration for injecting Bellafill.

Good luck and warmest regards,
Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS
Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery