Lumps developed on my cheeks 4-5 weeks after Bellafill injection. Will they be permanent or temporary?

Question

54 yr old male sunken cheeks got Bellafill: 3 vials injected 2 months ago, higher up on cheeks, then a month later 2 more vials lower on the cheeks. Recently noticed swelling/lumps on the lower cheeks, on right & left sides of lips. Are they granulomas? Nodules? Might they reduce or go away? If they are going to be permanent, what caused it? A reaction? Or injection error? And then the question is, what can be done? (If skin in photos looks strange, I just had a chemical peel a day ago).

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

We continue to see complications from Bellafill injections. Our office specializes in the removal of Bellafill from the face. Often, the approach to surgical removal is risky and may lead to further problems. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Lumps are a concern after injection from any filler.  With Bellafill, many physicians will call
these granulomas, but if they are not sore and red then they are not granulomas
but rather scar tissue from the injection and possibly excess scar tissue from
the Bellafill.  The 5 year study suggest
that these always get better and go away. 
These can be treated with a conservative injection of a steroid called Kenalog
if they persist.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Lumps developed on my cheeks 4-5 weeks after Bellafill injection. Will they be permanent or temporary?

Answers (2)