Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it? (Photos)

Question

A year ago i was injected with 1 bellafill syringe on each cheek. The dr whose injected it told me it will last up to 5 yrs. A month ago i was injected with voluma on my naselfolds. Few days after, my cheeks became red, burning and the worse, when Im smiling I look like a chipmunk. Also noticed my cheecks became bigger in size. I read bellafill is permanent and stimulates collagen, what makes my cheeks grown. Will my cheeks continue to grow forever? Is there any safe way to reverse it?

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

So sorry you are experiencing this. For years I have been cautioning my regular followers about permanent fillers, always stressing the point that while the idea of permanent is enticing, the idea of potentially long-lasting to permanent adverse reactions to them certainly is not. And unfortunately, those complications do not necessarily occur immediately after treatment. They may appear five, ten or even twenty or more years later, especially when there is some kind of physical manipulation of the general area where they were injected--such as when dental work is performed or perhaps, what may have occurred here, when the Voluma was injected in the vicinity. Admittedly, the adverse reactions to permanent fillers are difficult to treat. I have had gratifying results in treating this using an algorithm of varying intralesional antiinflammatory agents in varying combinations, concentrations and amounts. Be sure to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologic and best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve complications associated with Bellafill, a filler with permanent attributes that can cause granulomas, uneven contour, and soft tissue reaction. Our office focuses on granuloma reversal in cases where an incision may leave permanent scars. The reversal is performed with Kenalog IIT combination therapy, fibrous release, and HIDEF fractional RF to help break up the nodularity. Schedule a consultation for surgical removal if the Bellafill is located in the eyelids, lips, and lower face. Midface Bellafill is difficult to surgically remove.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to seek only in person evaluation by expert injecting MD. I might try Hyaluronidase injections in a series of weekly visits. Also other option are 5FU injections with low dose steroid.

Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it?

Answer: Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it?

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Everything you need to know about Bellafill

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Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it?

Answer: Small face with big cheeks following Bellafill then Voluma - is there a safe way to reverse it?

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Everything you need to know about Bellafill

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.