How I do remove Bellafill?

Dear patient,
Bellafill consist of 2 component. Bovine Collagen which dissipates over 6 months. The second component consist of thousands of small spheres that stay for 5 years or longer. Occasionally there are granulomas and Biofilm production around these permanent fillers. This is extremely rare. I have treated patients with Kenelog shots and improved the condition drastically. The other option that can be used is suctioning of the graft with small Coleman Liposuction cannulas. This is an invasive procedure and causes swelling and bruising that can last for up to a week. Look for an experienced liposuction and liposculpture surgeon and discuss this option as a last resort.

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

The actually duration of Bellafill is much longer than 5 years and is most likely permanent. The study was only a 5 year study and then it was reported. There is actually a 10 year study almost completed. Bellafill can only be removed with surgery. If there is granuloma or excessive collagen formation, some docs use 5FU, Steroids, and rarely collagenase. 

Thank you for your question. Bellafill is made up of spheres of PMMA which act as a biostimulator to promote collagen growth. The PMMA particles actually do not go away and the duration of effect is well beyond 5 years in most patients. As we age our collagen production diminishes so the response over many years will likely decline to some extent. The only way to remove Bellafill is by surgical removal which can be very difficult if the product is dispersed. Many clinicians will do a staged injection of this product over 2 to 3 sessions so that there is not over-stimulation of collagen.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.