Had anyone successfully removed Bellafill/Artefill? (Photo)

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.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

This will require steroid/5FU injections if that will not work then surgical removal will be necessary and you should see an oculoplastic surgeon.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Once Bellafill has created the fibrous network of collagen around it, it cannot be massaged away.  Sometimes repeated steroid injections can decrease the fibrotic reaction and reduce a lump.  I usually find though that if there is a persistent, objectionable lump, it needs to be surgically removed.  The most important concept of Bellafill is appropriate placement of the product and avoiding any injections around mobile areas of the face, specifically the eyes and the mouth and lips.  

I am sorry that you had
this experience with Bellafill. How long
has it been since you had your injections?
All fillers can cause some lumps and
bumps in the first few days and these can last a few months. If your filler was done more than 3 months ago and you
still have some lumps that you can see then an injection of a crystal steroid
call Kenalog 10 will usually settle these down. There
are a number of reasons for lumps or lower eyelid bags, while very unusual
after a Bellafill injection, do occur and could be the result of a number of
different problems including chronic swelling due to the injury (festoons),
exacerbation of chronic underlying allergies, the Bellafill creating the bags,
and a coincidental dermatitis causing chronic swelling.  It is always best to see an experienced injector and be evaluted to find out exactly what the problem is.Bellafill can be removed surgically but in 9 years of injecting it, I have yet to see a case where this is required.I hope that helps.Best regards