Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds: seeking a permanent solution, any suggestions?

Question

Hyaluronic acid is great but is short term. Bellafill (FDA approved) has 20% PMMA (akin to plexiglass or bone cement) and it will stay in your body forever. If I keep on getting Bellafill for my nasolabial folds, will that have a permanent effect on reducing appearance of those folds? Alternative is Silikon 1000, but is controversial. It may never receive FDA approval. Can cause granuloma. Some say it is safe, using microdroplet technique. What are your thoughts on Bellafill & Silikon 1000?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

We have been using microdroplet Silikon-1000 for over 20 years, and this has been a welcome alternative to temporary fillers for many people. Any injectable filler, including HA, can lead to granuloma formation, and permanent scar tissue. Not only is Silikon-1000 safe and effective, we believe it is a safer alternative to temporary gel fillers. Since the size of a silicone molecule is smaller than a red blood cell, there are no reported cases of necrosis, embolism, infection, blindness, or stroke. Procedures are performed painlessly with topical anesthetic, and there is typically no downtime. I hope this helps, and thank you for this question! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Bellafill and Artefill are known to cause granulomas. Although used for soft tissue augmentation, they can, and are known to cause permanent nodules and swelling. This is not the case for everyone. 
My office specializes in the removal of Bellafill and Artefill injections, in addition to silicone biopolymers, from the face and body. Initially, treatments are non-surgical with corticosteroids and immune modulators. If unable to be corrected, we can also perform surgery in some cases. 
Lastly, our office is conducting ongoing studies of plasma-assisted corticosteroid application, which allows for diffusion of the treatment medication in superficial tissue without causing atrophy. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

Bellafill is, by far, my preferred way to correct nasolabial folds. Not only is it FDA-approved for this indication (and Silikon-1000 is not), it does not migrate like silicone-based fillers can and appears to have a lower risk of granulomas than silicone. With the availability of Bellafill I see no logical reason to risk your face with Silikon-1000. None. I've used Bellafill since its first introduction as Artefill in the U.S. and previously I used Artecoll when I worked in Canada. I've literally been using PMMA fillers for 20 years now, so my recommendation is borne of experience. All the best,--DCPPearson Facial Plastic Surgery®

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

As you mentioned, Bellafill is FDA-approved for use on the nasolabial folds areas.  Bellafill can give long term results, but the face will continue to age, so there will be changes in appearance over time.  I do not have experience using Silikon 1000, so I cannot comment on its use.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

There is no question you should use Bellafill over Silikon 1000. The silicon leads to much higher granuloma rates, sometimes 10-15 years later. Another alternative is using fat grafting. I will always use cannulas in this area for improved safety and less bruising.

Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds: seeking a permanent solution, any suggestions?

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Answer: Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds

Answer: Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds

Answer: Should I use Bellafill or Silikon 1000 for my nasolabial folds? Steven F. Weiner, MD

Answer: Should I use Bellafill or Silikon 1000 for my nasolabial folds? Steven F. Weiner, MD

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Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds: seeking a permanent solution, any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds

Answer: Bellafill versus Silikon 1000 for nasolabial folds

Answer: Should I use Bellafill or Silikon 1000 for my nasolabial folds? Steven F. Weiner, MD

Answer: Should I use Bellafill or Silikon 1000 for my nasolabial folds? Steven F. Weiner, MD

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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.