Is bellafill permanent? I keep getting mixed answers. Confused bellafill "junkie" (Photo)

Bellafill is injected differently than other fillers; less over time and then it builds collagen naturally. It is not an immediate fill like other fillers. Bellafill is more permanent than other fillers and thus it requires meticulous injection technique and someone skilled and experienced. Some physicians do not use this product for those reasons. I use a significant amount of this product and find it very useful and beneficial for patients. Best, Dr. Emer.

Dear patient, I believe that the pinpoint plastic granules are permanent. Your body mounts an immune reaction to them and Collagen builds around the tiny balls after the other component, namely the cow Collagen, has dissipated. I think after a few years (? 5 maybe) the body stops reacting to this foreign matter but the filler is still there. You have a great result and I would suggest avoiding too much Bellafill. I see occasional granulomatous reaction; mainly in the temple area.

Thank you for your question. Bellafill, formerly known as Artefill, is indeed a permanent filler. The PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) microspheres in Bellafill are designed to remain in your tissues indefinitely. While the collagen in Bellafill provides an initial volumizing effect, this component eventually dissolves, leaving the PMMA spheres in place. These spheres stimulate your body to produce collagen around them, which is why results are often described as long-lasting or permanent.

The mention of "5 years" in Bellafill’s marketing materials refers to the clinical studies that tracked patient satisfaction and results for up to 5 years, not the actual duration of the filler’s effects. The PMMA microspheres do not naturally degrade or disappear over time.

I personally do not recommend the use of permanent fillers like Bellafill. I’ve encountered numerous complications caused by permanent fillers, including unevenness, migration, and granulomas (hard lumps caused by the body reacting to a foreign substance). Unlike temporary fillers, which dissolve over time or can be reversed with specific enzymes, Bellafill cannot be dissolved. If complications occur, the only way to remove it is through surgical excision, which can be invasive and challenging.

If you are considering more Bellafill or are concerned about your results, I recommend consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your options. It’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits of using permanent fillers carefully.

I remove this product routinely so if you ever need help with removal, please give me a call.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Bellafill and Artefill are the same product.  The company recently changed the name to start a new marketing campaign.  The way it produced has not changed since the name change.Bellafill is made up of 2 main substances: bovine collagen and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate).The way it works is that after the product is injected, your body slowly breaks down the bovine collagen and replaces it with your own, natural collagen.  The PMMA acts as a scaffolding (or support structure) for your collagen to grow.  The PMMA particles are considered permanent and do not dissolve.Long-term studies of Bellafill have shown the product and its results to last for at least 5 years.  It likely lasts even longer and is therefore considered permanent.  Whether Bellafill lasts 5 years, 10 years, or more, it is the longest lasting injectable filler we have available in the United States.Enjoy your beautiful results!

Bellafill recently came out with 5 year safety data. It will continue to monitor these patients and eventually come out with longer duration data. Bottom line is that PMMA is not degraded by the body and will last forever. It is permanent but the company can't say that because it only has data for the 5 years and they can only state what they are approved for. Artefill and Bellafill are the same product. I have 8 syringes in me. Keep in mind that aging continues and more filler will be needed as you lose volume.

Thanks for your question. You appear to have a beautiful natural correction- your injector is doing a great job!The microspheres in the Bellafill syringe, which makes up 20% of the syringe, do not go away and so yes there is a permanent residual there. They stimulate collagen to form around them, but that collagen is not permanent because we lose collagen as we age, that's unavoidable. And of course the bovine collagen in the syringe (the other 80%) goes away. So, yes you are getting actually an improved product with the Bellafill and the duration of the correction would be no less than with the Artefill. Don't get hung up on "5 years"- that has to do with study protocols/evaluations/submissions to the FDA etc...Best,Lisa Vuich, MD

Yes, essentially Bellafill is permanent.  The FDA and the makers of Bellafill will not come out and say that because the formal studies only go out 5 years but there is no change in
volume after those 5 years. I have seen patients at 9 years
after their treatment and it is still working.
The inventor has 15 year follow up case with no volume loss.  The microspheres or PMMA that makes up 15% of Bellafill are nos absorbable and will be present where they were injected for the rest of your life and stimulating your body to make collagen around them so technically, Bellafill is permanent.I hope that helps.Best regards.