Bullfinch vein and uneven skin in the temple from Bellafill. Will it subside? It’s been a month with no change.

Question

I had Bellafill in my temples 3 weeks ago, for volume. One side is perfect. The other has a large lump and the PA is reporting it’s normal and will even out. He said it’s not the bellafill, but swollen blood vessels. He told me to put hot compress on and massage but still no change. Will this lump be permanent? Will I have to get surgery to remove it? Are there other things I could do to reduce swelling?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Unfortunately without knowing the time course of events, or knowing what the tissue feels like, it is difficult to know if it is filler or swelling.  Based on three week timing, however, I would be concerned that this is residual Bellafill which can be left to resolve on its own over years or attempted surgical removal can be done.

Douglas Hamilton, MD · Answer

The time sequence argues strongly against it being the filler; if it is a small clot that has developed with scar-like tissue around it ( organized hematoma ) then massage, time, & as a possible final necessity- incision & drainage/removal - can be effective.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is hard to say exactly what this is. Even if this is Bellafill, this isn't necessarily the end result. Remember that Bellafill is mostly collagen and this is degraded by the body. It takes 6-8 weeks for the body to remove the collagen and 3-4 months to create a collagen response to the PMMA. If all conservative measures have failed, I'd wait it out and see what the final result is. One might try a small injection of steroids in the area but that is not without risk - atrophy.

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Bullfinch vein and uneven skin in the temple from Bellafill. Will it subside? It’s been a month with no change.

Answers (3)

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