I had Artefill injected 5 yrs. It looks awful now. How do I get rid of it?

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.

I suggest a filler expert who uses a significant amount of semi permanent and permanent fillers.  Sometimes 5fu/steroid injections and RF treatments work to improve this area without any surgery needed.  Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for question! It is hard to tell whats happening without pictures provided. I would advise you to schedule an appointment with experienced provider to determine the cause of your problem and possible options. While some consider Bellafill as permanent, it lasts around 5 years and it should not migrate or cause changes after 3 years. Best of luck! 

It is hard to tell whats happening without pictures provided. I would advise you to schedule an appointment with experienced provider to determine the cause of your problem and possible options. While some consider Bellafill as permanent, it lasts around 5 years and it should not migrate or cause changes after 3 years. Good luck! 

The only way to remove Bellafill is with surgery. If there are lumps, it needs to be evaluated. If its an infection, it needs antibiotics. If its a nodule, it can be treated with 5FU/Kenalog. 

I am sorry that you are experiencing this problem.  If your Artefill (now called Bellafill) was looking good for 3  years, any problems you are having will not likely be related to the filler.  At 3 years your filler will be stable, does not migrate and is a very natural volume replacement.  Without photos, it is difficult to tell, but it sounds like you may be having a dermatologic issue.  I would suggest you see a dermatologist who experience with Bellafill to figure what is going on.I hope that helps.Best regards.