Is my Bellafill for acne scars overfilled? It has made my cheeks droopy. (Photos)

Question

I used to have very petite cheeks. I have deep rolling acne scars on my cheeks so I’ve had lasers and facials to correct that and then decided to do bellafill. She filled very close to the skin. Although she is very thorough I think she overfilled. I have migration potentially under my eyes? And definitely droopiness. I hate it. It makes me feel fake.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns — your feelings are completely valid, especially when a treatment meant to improve self-confidence doesn’t meet expectations. Bellafill is a long-lasting filler and, while effective for acne scars, it requires precise technique and volume control to avoid complications such as puffiness, heaviness, or asymmetry.

Is It Possible Your Cheeks Were Overfilled?
Yes — based on your description, it’s possible. While Bellafill is often used to correct rolling acne scars by lifting the dermis, overfilling or incorrect placement (too superficially or too diffusely) can cause the following:

Heaviness or a weighed-down appearance, especially in the mid-cheek

Drooping or loss of cheek contour

Unnatural volume under the eyes, which may look like migration or swelling

A "mask-like" or “puffy” look that doesn’t match your natural features

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, Bellafill is semi-permanent, so it cannot be easily dissolved with hyaluronidase. That’s why careful placement and conservative dosing are critical.

Why You May Be Experiencing Droopiness
Overcorrection of volume: Too much product can distort natural contours.

Incorrect plane of injection: If the filler was injected too superficially, it may create visible lumps or unevenness, especially in thinner skin areas like under the eyes.

Weight of filler on delicate tissue: The product can press down on already fragile tissue, leading to a sagging effect.

What You Can Do
In-Depth Assessment: A facial ultrasound or in-person evaluation with a practitioner experienced in long-term fillers like Bellafill can confirm filler placement and determine if product has migrated.

Steroid Injections: In select cases, intralesional corticosteroids can be used to reduce excess volume or nodules caused by overfilled Bellafill, but should only be performed by an experienced professional.

Microneedling or RF treatments: These may help improve the skin texture and possibly break down superficial product irregularities, depending on the depth and nature of the filler.

Time & Patience: While Bellafill can last 5+ years, the body may gradually metabolize or soften its effect. Supporting skin quality and collagen production during this time can help restore a more balanced appearance.

Emotional Impact Matters
It’s understandable to feel disappointed or “fake” when the result isn’t in line with your expectations — and you are not alone in this. Many patients find empowerment in seeking a second opinion or exploring corrective options, even for semi-permanent fillers.

Bellafill, when used well, can offer subtle and long-lasting benefits — but when outcomes fall short, there are still safe, supportive ways to address your concerns and restore confidence.

Is my Bellafill for acne scars overfilled? It has made my cheeks droopy. (Photos)

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Is my Bellafill for acne scars overfilled? It has made my cheeks droopy. (Photos)

Answers (1)

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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.