Is Bellafill dangerous? Is it successful as a long lasting filler? (photos)

I've been using Bellafill regularly for 10 years and have never seen a serious side effect. Bruising is possible with any injectable and mild swelling can happen for a day or so, but I have never seen anything worse than that. Bellafill does last a very long time and for that reason you should be careful to go to a practitioner who is very experienced and conservative in the use of the product. It takes 2 to 3 sessions to get the final result and I space these sessions 6 to 8 weeks apart. The material is soft and natural looking when injected properly. One option that some of my patients take advantage of is to use temporary fillers like Voluma as a trial run and then switch to Bellafill when they are sure that they will like the results. Voluma is easily reversible and lasts for about a year and a half. Hope that helps!

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

Thank you for the question. Bellafill® is composed of 80% bovine collagen and 20% polymetylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. Bellafill® is considered a semi-permanent filler and has 5-year post-FDA approval safety data published (we are still awaiting the 10-year data).  It is a very useful and long lasting filler, but it is difficult to reverse so you need a highly experienced injector.  Also, you’ll need a skin test to be sure you're not allergic to the collagen component.
As always, an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training is the best way to assess your needs and provide medical advice.