What the real risks are for Bellafill in the nasolabial fold area with regards to granulomas?

Question

Can someone please explain to me what the real risks are for bellafill in the nasolabial folds area with regards to granulomas? I'm getting a lot of mixed messages online.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Bellafill is a semi-permanent filler with a host of complications that can be long-lasting. Our office specializes in filler complications, especially those related to Bellafill and Artefill, including granulomas, lumps, and soft tissue swelling. Surgery may be one option; whereas non-surgical soft-tissue lifting and intralesional injections may help reduce the visibility of these fillers.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

microaliquat injections with fillers that are long term or more "permanent" all have risks but they are limited when done in small quantities over time. I suggest seeing an expert. injection to the folds is very safe with bellafill when done right. Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Any injectable filler, including Bellafill, can potentially cause a granuloma.  In my experience, I have never seen this occur with Bellafill.  As far as I am aware, Bellafill does not have a higher risk of granuloma formation than any other filler.  I think that Bellafill is safe to use in the nasolabial folds.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Any of the fillers can theoretically form granulomatous changes under the skin over time, but the semi-permanent ones such as Bellafill and Sculptra are non-hyaluronic acid products and have a much greater risk of causing inflammation and eventual granuloma formation where they are placed.  The hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidasee, but the components of Bellafill and Sculptra cannot be dissolved with any enzyme or product.  Some people achieve resolution of their Bellafill granulomas with antibiotics and/or injection of steroid into the problem areas, but that does not always help.  I would be very cautious about using non-hyaluronic acid fillers and make sure you are in the hands of an expert.  Best of luck!

What the real risks are for Bellafill in the nasolabial fold area with regards to granulomas?

Answers (4)

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