Very unhappy with Bellafill progress so far for acne scarring. Any suggestions? (Photo)

Question

I have had 3 syringes of Bellafill over a 4 month period and a Subcision prior to the last syringe.When I compare now with my initial photos, there is neglible difference and worse in a couple areas 2 areas that look filled outside the scars! Every txmt has been the same. Initial filling/swelling where my face looks virtually scar free then exactly 5 days later, the swelling is gone and scars are back. Heartbroken. after spending 3k. Now consulting with a new doc for Bellafill. Any suggestions?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you really need a combination approach of fillers, lasers, and subcision aggressively.  I suggest you see a dermatologist with experience in scarring and lasers.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I would discuss with your injector. It might get better over the next few months. I'd wait. If you smoke, have unhealthy skin, a debilitating medical condition, you won't produce much collagen and Bellafillis not for you. If you don't fall into those categories, just add more in about 3-4 months.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for providing your photos.  It is apparent that you got some improvement
but it is clearly minimal.  Your scars
appear to be very deep and this suggests a lot of volume loss.  The great news is that after your injections,
when you are swollen, your scars look great. 
This confirms that you likely need more filler to get to a point where
you will be happy.  Bellafill is a great
filler but there is not very much in a syringe.

I have added a video that demonstrates this for you as well
as a web reference for more information.

I hope that helps.

Best regards.

Very unhappy with Bellafill progress so far for acne scarring. Any suggestions? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bellafill for Acne Scars.

Answer: Bellafill for Acne Scars.

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Everything you need to know about Bellafill

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Very unhappy with Bellafill progress so far for acne scarring. Any suggestions? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bellafill for Acne Scars.

Answer: Bellafill 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.