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

Question

The first three years it looked great! But now it has formed into little balls all over my face and looks terrible! Is there anything I can do?

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

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!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

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!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Bellafill gone wrong

Answer: Bellafill gone wrong

Answer: Getting "rid" of Bellafill/Artefill not easy

Answer: Getting "rid" of Bellafill/Artefill not easy

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.

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

Answers (6)

Answer: Bellafill gone wrong

Answer: Bellafill gone wrong

Answer: Getting "rid" of Bellafill/Artefill not easy

Answer: Getting "rid" of Bellafill/Artefill not easy

Browse related questions

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.