Will I get my Bellafill jaw results back? (Photos)

Question

My Bellafill PMMA filler results disappeared in a week. I got 9 syringes on my jaw. 4.5ml on each side.When injected the difference was HUGE. The next day I was very swollen. On day 4 doctor gave me a mask to control edema. After the swelling was gone, so were the results. Like I had nothing done. Product concentration was 30%, so 70% of it was the vehicle, which is absorbed and then replaced with my own collagen. I have read that the vehicle is 100% absorbed in 4 days in some articles, but then here many doctors say it takes "months" for it to happen. What happened?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Bellafill and Artefill are known to cause granulomas. Although used for soft tissue augmentation, they can, and are known to cause permanent nodules and swelling. This is not the case for everyone. 
My office specializes in the removal of Bellafill and Artefill injections, in addition to silicone biopolymers, from the face and body. Initially, treatments are non-surgical with corticosteroids and immune modulators. If unable to be corrected, we can also perform surgery in some cases. 
Lastly, our office is conducting ongoing studies of plasma-assisted corticosteroid application, which allows for diffusion of the treatment medication in superficial tissue without causing atrophy. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

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.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

When a Bellafill treatment is done, there normally is some immediate improvement, but this improvement does go away.  It can take just a week or so for this to occur, but sometimes it may take a bit longer.  Bellafill is about 20% PMMA and about 80% collagen.  The collagen portion will absorb completely.  The PMMA that remains will stimulate the tissue to build up, but this will take several weeks.  I would recommend waiting at least 8 weeks to see what your results are.  It is possible that you may need further treatment to obtain your desired results.  Also, each syringe of Bellafill is 0.8cc, so if you had 9 syringes split evenly between both sides of your jaw you would have had 3.6cc on each side.

Ravi Dahiya, MD · Answer

I would urge you to be patient with this product. I have had great success with it in our patients but it can take quite a long time to see the full benefits. Although many doctors say that it takes 3-4 months to see your best results, I would argue it can take much longer. I have seen patients not see their peak result until about 6-9 months out from the treatment. It does work very well...just wait.

Lynne Brownell, RNP at Riviera Laser Studios - Dana Point · Answer

Bellafill is the only
FDA-approved filler approved to be safe and effective for 5 years. The company
reports that more than 83 % of patients were still satisfied at that 5 year
mark. In our experience, because of its initial ability to stimulate collagen,
patients often see results for many years past that!

Bellafill will provide collagen
enrichment for up to 12-16 weeks, so I often tell patients they will like the
results immediately, but LOVE the results in 2-4 months!  Clearly, the product does not disappear, but the initials swelling response does distort what is real  . Give it time! I doubt you will be disappointed!

Will I get my Bellafill jaw results back? (Photos)

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Will I get my Bellafill jaw results back? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Bellafill

Answer: Bellafill

Answer: LONG -LASTING Effects of Bellafill

Answer: LONG -LASTING Effects of Bellafill

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Bellafill

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.