Is it true that Bellafill only lasts 5 years?

Question

Is it true that bellafill only lasts 5 years? Do you have to have it injected every few years? Or is there a more permanent option for acne scars?

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Bellafill® is composed of 80% bovine collagen and 20% polymetylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. Bellafill® is considered a semi-permanent filler and has 5-year post-FDA approval safety data published (we are still awaiting the 10-year data).  It is a very useful and long lasting filler, but it is difficult to reverse so you need a highly experienced injector.  Also, you’ll need a skin test to be sure you're not allergic to the collagen component.
As always, an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training is the best way to assess your needs and provide medical advice.

Hannah Vargas, MD · Answer

The company has a indication for 5 years on BellaFill.  Recent data has been made available that indicates the product is actually lasting 10 years in patients.  As for injection, over time you will need to inject until you are happy with the results.  Other options for Acne Scarring are Profractional Laser Resurfacing, TCA peels, Halo Laser Resurfacing, and Subcision.  It is best to have a consultation with a provider that offers multiple options to ensure that they will offer you what will best suit your needs and not because it is the only thing that they offer.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The company that makes Bellafill can promote their product to last 5 years because their studies were able to show that, but these studies were published after collecting data for 5 years and not longer.  In the future, other studies that follow patients for a longer time period may be available.  In my opinion, the results last much longer than 5 years.  It is important to realize that the face will continue to age after treatment, so changes in appearance will still occur over time.  I would say that for most patients treated for acne scars, repeated treatments after 5 years are usually not needed.  It is possible that further treatments could be used to improve changes that have occurred due to aging though.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This refers to the amount of time Bellafill works to stimulate the body to produce collagen. However, keep in mind, a combination approach is needed for acne scars. Acne scars need a combination of lasers, microneedling/prp, subcision and fillers. It may take a series of treatments, and may need life-long treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an acne scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Bellafill is know as the "5-year filler" as in the landmark study used in getting the FDA approval, patients were followed up for 5 years and significant results were seen in many. Being a stimulatory filler, it is quite likely that some patients continue to see results lasting way beyond 5 years, although individual results may vary. If you are looking for a long-lasting filler for issues such as scar treatment, Bellafill is a very good choice. I hope is helps and good luck!

Barry Ginsburg, MD · Answer

the manufacturer, Suneva medical can only claim 5 years because that is how long the studies went.. It is 10 years now since those studies started and the results will soon be published. since it is a collagen stimulator not a filler it should last "forever".. however as we age we lose volume so ongoing treatments will be needed.  also it will last longer in static areas that do not move as opposed to folds that move because eventually the movement will recreate the fold

Michele Zormeier, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
Bellafill contains biocompatible PMMA and is safe and effective for facial augmentation. These natural looking results feel soft and smooth and are clinically proven to last through 5 years. 
83% of patients were still satisfied with their results 5 years after treatment. Bellafill is in the process of compiling 10 year data.  If 83% are still happy at 5 years, the longevity will likely be much greater than 5 years. 
 Please contact your local board certified facial plastic surgeon for more information and to schedule a consult.

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Suneva the distributor of Bellafill shows results lasting up to five years.  PMMA microspheres compose twenty percent and collagen eighty percent of Bellafill.  The microshperes do not reabsorb or decompose; the amount of collagen produced surrounding the PMMA changes with time and age.Results vary from patient to patient.  Several injections sessions are typically required to produce the desired end result.Most patients elect to have a less permanent filler injected for the first time to see what can be done. Afterwards they often choose Bellafill to give longer lasting results. 
Please consult in person with an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making treatment decisions.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Bellafill's active ingredient is particles of PMMA which stimulates your body to produce collagen. These particles are not broken down by the body, lasers, etc. This means once placed there is a permanent reaction to the PMMA. As we age, our production of collagen does decline so you could hypothesize that the effects may diminish over time. I injected my left hand with Artefill (now called Bellafill) 8 years ago and have not noticed any decline in my response to the product. My right hand serves as a control and I can compare the effects of treated to untreated over time.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

No, Bellafill is a very long lasting filler, probably permanent. The PMMA spheres are not biodegradable and thus will stay within the area injected. The reason the 5 year duration is quoted is because they published a study following patients for 5 years and showed there was still persistent corrections in the areas injected. Over 90% of patients were satisfied with their results. I believe there is a 10 year duration study which is ongoing. HOWEVER, you face will continue to age and to make up for the aging process, more filler will be needed as you get older.

Is it true that Bellafill only lasts 5 years?

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