I had Restylane under my eyes and it didn't work. Would Belotero be a better option?

Question

I had Restylane for my eye hollows 7 weeks ago. I had 1 syringe, so 1/2 under each eye. It looked good the first week but now its all gone. My Dr is great at what he does, but I am wondering if I may need more? He suggested that I try Belotero next. I don't want this to get too pricey if I keep trying different fillers. I was wondering has anyone else had better success with this vs. Restylane?

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It would helpful to see before after pictures before writing off one injection treatment.  I generally do prefer Restylane over Belotero in the tear trough area when the product is placed deep as it has more substance to and holds the position better and tends to last longer.  Much of the result will be technique and less the actual product.  Regardless of which direction you go, I would recommend good before/after pictures and in general, full correction is easier tell the longevity vs partial correction (glass half empty).Also, surgery is always another option as this will provide a much better longevity than the fillers.  I would recommend visiting with a plastic surgeon who has a high volume injection practice in addition to their surgical practice.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

The tear trough can be filled with many products. Restylane and Belotero seem to be the best. Restylane injections lasts longer and volumize somewhat better, but may develop slight irregularities and swelling for a little longer. Belotero seems to smooth out the area more evenly with less swelling, but lasts for a much shorter time.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Most people do the Belotero for under the eyes to help with the hollowness under the eyes. We have seen great results with that too. I think you should have a consultation with the doctor and see what they recommend.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Belotero® is a good filler made for fine lines and wrinkles.  It is not a volumizing filler.  I would not recommend it for beneath your eyes.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Restylane is a nice product for this region but so is Belotero. In fact, I prefer Belotero because it seems to have less chance for irregularities and sweeling. The downside is that it may not last as long. You might want to look into surgical procedures to correct your findings.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

These fillers are both hyaluronic acids but Belotero is designed for to also be used for the finest most superficial lines and if Restylane didn't help then Belotero probably would not when compared with the same technique, plane (depth) of placement and volume injected. It is possible that some people may need more volume but 0.5 ccs (half of a 1 cc syringe) is adequate for most patients per side. Every patient's anatomy is different and depending on the adjacent bags or the shape of the crease or hollow, some patients are not good candidates for this treatment. It is important to have a professional who will inject the filler have a good understanding of the anatomy of the area.The information provided in Dr. Shelton's
answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended
to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should
not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified
health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical
needs.

Jeffrey W. Hall, MD · Answer

Belotero can be used under the eyes, however in may experience Restylane tends to last longer than Belotero does. Perlane can also be used under the eyes and tends to last longer than both of the previously mentioned products.

Dan Landmann, MD · Answer

A good way to think about fillers is like gasoline in your car. If you forgot your wallet at home, and you only have $10, then you can only get so far. Fillers are amazing and they work great, but they are expensive and if you don't use enough, your mileage may vary. That being said, 1 vial of Restylane for under both your eyes is a very good, conservative amount to start off with. I would congratulate your doctor on using an appropriate amount and not making you look over done. Personally, I use both Restylane and Belotero under the eyes. I use Restylane when I am trying to fill a deep tear trough, and I use Belotero closer to the skin to fill in the finer lines. It sounds like you were enjoying the swelling that many people initially get after any filler.

William H. Bearden III, MD, FACS · Answer

Can't tell without a picture, but restylane is a good product in that area. Was it diluted with lidocaine by the doc. That would explain loss of volume. At any rate, you probably just need more of the same product.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank your for your question.  Both products do well for the area listed above.  Depending on the depth of defect you may need more than one syringe of either product.  In my hands Restylane does a better job at lifting the defect.  Schedule a re-evaluation with the injector and perhaps compare pre and post treatment photos to determine if indeed the product injected is gone. Good luck

I had Restylane under my eyes and it didn't work. Would Belotero be a better option?

Answers (10)