Is Bellafill better than peels and lasers for acne scars, or would a combo of both work better?

Question

I had horrific acne for about a decade which has left me with rolling scars beneath my cheek bones and on both sides of my chin. I also have huge pores. Is Bellafill safe, effective, and will it help any more than a series of laser treatments and peels? It's pricey so I don't want to get it if I won't see results. I've had two glycolic peels and I see a reduction. I'm considering adding laser resurfacing to that now. Is there any advantage of bellafill as opposed to lasers and peels?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I personally do not use or like Bellafill for the following reasons.1.  It has collagen which has a higher rate of sensitivity and can happen despite negative skin tests.  It can also show up many years later.2.  It has PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) particles which are permanent.  Your skin continues to age but anything permanent in the skin will not change and down the road can give unusual appearance.In essence I would still stick with other methods to improve acne scarring such as subcision, laser resurfacing, Dermal pens like Rejuvapen and microdermabrasion. Fillers like hyaluronic acid are also helpful and are reversible.RegardsDr. J

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"​Acne scars need a combination approach for long-term improvement. Everyone has a unique pattern of acne scarring, and most people have various types of scars, so we create a tailored treatment plan for each patient. We often use:
- Injectable fillers like Bellafill and Sculptra (with or without subcision) for atrophic, indented scars. 
- Subcision for depressed, tethered scars. 
- Vascular lasers like Yellow laser, Aerolase, excel V, BBL, or IPL for redness or thick acne scars. 
- Lasers such as Fraxel, Erbium, CO2, Halo or fractional radiofrequency (Venus Viva, Skinfinity, Morpheus, PiXel8, Fractora, Intensif microneedling RF) for textural issues and superficial scarring. 
- TCA CROSS and punch excision for deep ice pick scars and narrow box car scars.

All lasers are combined with microneedling/PRP to improve the results and accelerate your healing time. Keep in mind that a personalized combination treatment by an expert physician will give you the improvement you're looking for. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist and acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer. ​"

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Which treatments are best for acne scars depends on a number of factors, including the type and extent of the scars, the individual’s lifestyle and preference, and the experience of the treatment provider. Bellafill is FDA approved for use on atrophic, distensible scars (those that can disappear when stretched manually), and the results last over 2 years and perhaps longer. The benefit is that the treatment time is short and there is no recovery time needed at all. However, if you have extensive scarring, Bellafill may be more time consuming and expensive than you would like, in which case having a laser treatment may be better. A combination of Bellafill and other types of treatments is a possibility as well. The best thing for you to do is to visit a board-certified dermatologist experienced in acne scar reduction for an in-person consultation in which you can discuss your options and find the best treatment plan for you.

Louis P. Bucky, MD · Answer

Bellafill is indicated for the long-term (5 years) correction of moderate to severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scarring on the cheeks in patients 21 and older. Bellafill is very impressive as an individual treatment.  However when we consider what happens to the skin of a patient who has significant acne scarring, most of these patient are dealing with pigment and textural issues as well.  Our goal is to combine effective and appropriate laser and light therapies (i.e. ablative, non-ablative, microneedling) and/or therapeutic peels with Bellafill for overall acne scar and skin quality correction.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Many patients need a combination of fillers and lasers to treat acne scars.  Fraxel is the gold standard for acne scars.  You may need different lasers depending on your skin type. Best to consult with a specialist in scar removal.  Best, Dr. Green

Is Bellafill better than peels and lasers for acne scars, or would a combo of both work better?

Answers (6)

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers & peels

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers & peels

Answer: Injections and Lasers for Acne Scars

Answer: Injections and Lasers for Acne Scars

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.

Is Bellafill better than peels and lasers for acne scars, or would a combo of both work better?

Answers (6)

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers &amp; peels

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers &amp; peels

Answer: Injections and Lasers for Acne Scars

Answer: Injections and Lasers for Acne Scars

Browse related questions

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.

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers & peels

Answer: For best results, combine Bellafill, lasers & peels