What is the best way to have Bellafill removed from cheek area? (photo)

Question

I had overfilling in my cheeks using a product very similar to bellafill. I'd like to find a surgeon who can remove this for me. What is the best approach to removing this product in your experience?

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

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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

While the idea of "permanent," (as in permanent fillers, is admittedly very enticing, when things go wrong, treatment can be difficult and not always successful. Since permanent fillers, which are actually foreign bodies (not naturally found in the body, like hyaluronic acid is), tend to intercalate themselves within the surrounding tissues and stimulate fibrosis, adverse reactions to them are typically very difficult to treat, since there is no natural enzyme to dissolve them. And surgery to remove them runs the risk of leaving unsightly scars. This is why I have been cautioning my readers and followers for years reminding them that permanent fillers can translate into permanent problems. That being said, I have had success in treating them in patients who have been treated with them elsewhere using an algorithm of varying combinations, concentrations and amounts of intralesional anti-inflammatory agents. Make sure to conslt with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

What is the best way to have Bellafill removed from cheek area? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Bellafill

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What is the best way to have Bellafill removed from cheek area? (photo)

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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.