Is it possible to get Bellafill for a "liquid neck lift"?

Question

Is there such a thing as a "liquid neck lift", by applying injectables behind the ears, cheeks or jawline?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I have been performing nonsurgical filler necklifts for nearly two decades. More recently, these typically entail the use of a hyaluronic acid-based lifting filler, such as Juvederm Ultra Plus XC, injected on both sides of the back of the neck alongside the cervical spine, which leads to tightening of the neck toward the front. Additional lift can be obtained by the use of slightly less robust hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane L, placed in a bolus like fashion on the neck in the region behind the ears, and finally a uniqure, hyaluronic acid-based bioremodeling agent, such as Profhilo, injected in a fanning method to each of the sides at the front of the neck and a bolus of it placed centrally at the angle between the neck and the jaw. Unfortunately, the latter agent is not yet available in the U.S. (I have been using it for several years in my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved fillers and volumizers are commercially available). In my Manhattan practice, I instead use a skin booster filler, such as Restylane Silk for the latter purpose. The whole procedure should take no more than about fifteen minutes in experienced hands and entails little to no significant downtime. I would not recommend a permanent filler, such as Bellafill, since permanent fillers can translate into permanent problems, such as disfiguring lumps and bumps, that may arise immediately after injection or five, ten or even twenty years later. Make sure that you seek consultation with a board certified aesthetic physician and ask to see his/her personal before and after photos. 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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, a combination approach would give the most improvement. Kybella, PDO Nova Threads, Ultherapy and/or ThermiRF treatments (Venus Legacy) are non-invasive options that would do well in combination for skin tightening for the neck. VASER with ThermiRF is a great alternative for contouring and tightening the chin and neck and can be combined with a neck lift at the same time, if you're a candidate. See a cosmetic dermatologist for a long term treatment plan. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Sometimes fillers, including Bellafill, can be placed on the face to add volume and produce some lifting of the areas below.  It may be possible to get a bit of a lift on the upper neck, but without an examination or photos of you, it's difficult to know if this might help you.  Normally, to improve the neck, the procedure would need to be done more directly on the neck itself.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Placing filler of any sort behind the ear will not lift the neck and would be a waste of money.  A neck lift entails undermining skin, removing fat and trimming excess skin which would address the issue for you.  Another option which can improve loose neck skin in a less invasive manner is FaceTite but only in certain cases.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

With fillers such as Bellafill, you can get some definition of the jawline and hide some of the jowls. I have developed a procedure called "TriNECKta" whereby I inject hyperdilute Radiesse, treat with RFM (Genius) and use a 1927 Laser (LaseMD) to lead to tightening and wrinkle improvement of the neck. I haven't used Bellafill for this but I supposed it could be used. It is usually a few sessions to get best results. The Radiesse has been shown to create collage and RFM causing tightening and creates collagen and elastin. It is very well tolerated because the injections are done first and they have lidocaine added to numb the neck.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to answer your question without examining you. I have been using Bellafill (Artefill) for 15 years and find it to be a very safe product when properly injected by an experienced injector. We often use it along the jaw line and in front of the ear to help improve the jowls and to a lesser extent the neck. It can also be used in a dilute form in the neck to stimulate collagen in the skin. Obviously, the decision on whether you would benefit from this type of procedure would require an in-person exam. Some of the minimally invasive energy based devices such as FaceTite and Renuvion can give some improvement as well.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.