Bellafill and alpha-gal allergy: are there any contradictions?

Question

I would like to be able to consider Bellafill, however, I have had the alpha gal allergy for 5 years now. Even though the skin allergy test for Bellafill came out negative, I am concerned about delayed allergic reaction down the road. I am wondering if injection of the bovine collagen used may trigger a reaction as would ingestion, or not since it is a completely different "delivery method." Any thoughts/insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your time... Roxanne

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

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Since you had a negative Bellafill skin test, I would consider it safe for you to have Bellafill treatment.  I have not seen any delayed allergic reactions with Bellafill.

Bellafill and alpha-gal allergy: are there any contradictions?

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Bellafill and alpha-gal allergy: are there any contradictions?

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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.