Will my chipmunk cheeks continue to get worse 7 weeks after Bellafill injection? (photos)

Hi and thank you for your question! Bellafill is a stimulatory filler, meaning that it stimulate body to build more collagen around it and hence the long-lasting results. However, it also have components that will degrade over time, so it is possible that you will see a bit of more volume growth or it might stay stable or even go down a bit. I always advise my patients to compare before and after pictures (plus serial pictures take over time) to objectively document and monitor the progress. If you reach a level that makes you unhappy with the results, you can consult an experienced cosmetic doctor to see if there are other places in your face that can be treated with filler to achieve a more balanced look. I doubt it will come down to this, but it is possible to remove a bit of Bellafill with injections, etc, but I again I doubt you will need that. Please keep monitoring the progress and keep doing follow ups with your doctor. I hope it helps and good luck!

Bellafill filler can cause nodules and chronic edema, soft tissue reaction, and longterm problems. We specialize in the removal of Bellafill on the face and see patients with old and new PMMA filler problems. Bellafill will eventually form scar tissue around the permanent filler. 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 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. We remove Bellafill filler from the lips, nasolabial folds, and eyelids. Cheek Bellafill is difficult to remove surgically.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

It can take several months for final results with Bellafill. However, 5fu/steroid injections and venus legacy/viva treatments can help soften results. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

I don't think anything has gone "wrong" with the procedure other than the results aren't what you were wanting. It is very important to discuss your goals before injecting such a long lasting filler because correction is difficult. There does not appear to be infection, granuloma, nodule formation. Final results take at least 3-4 months (up to 9 months) and I would wait that period to see how the outcome is. It's been my experience that the results are less than the initial volumization and I expect that you will be happy with your outcome. 5FU, steroids can be used to decrease the effect of the filler if needed.

Hi, Thanks for the question!Sorry to hear about your concern.It is very unlikely if it grows more than this. Actually, I believe it should start to subtle down in the next couple of weeks.So my suggestion is to wait for a bit!Hope this helps!

Dear Pinkwillow,
The final result of Bellafill takes up to 4 months and it sustains up to 5 years. Unfortunately this filler is not reversible, the best solution will be to have more volume injected in a higher place such as the zygoma ( at the top of the cheek bone), when it settles after 4 months. Hopefully that answers your question.
Best of luck,
Dr.Mahajan