Bellafill injected 2 yrs ago. Cheeks look bulky. Can 5FU/steroids help?

Question

My results from Bellafill looked great until 3 months after the injections when I suddenly experienced stinging and swelling. After the pain and swelling subsided I was left with cheeks that look too bulky when I smile. I've now been like this for nearly 2 years. Is it too late for 5-FU and/or steroids to help?

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question! Steroid or 5FU can be used to reduce the size of Bellafill injection even after a few years, but before doing that, I recommend doing a complete reassessment of your face to make sure the bulkiness at cheeks is not due (or at least contributed in part by) volume loss at other places of your face. I hope it helps and good luck!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes,  5fu/steroid injections combined with venus legacy/viva treatments can help give improvement. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

Marlene J. Mash, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you feel that your wonderful results have not lasted and that you feel your adverse effects were caused by the Bellafill injections. There are treatment options for you, but I am recommending you visit a reputable and experienced Bellafill dermatologist so that he/she can determine the right treatment for you.

Regina M. Fearmonti, MD · Answer

Post a photo?
It is difficult to ascertain if you are having a treatment reaction. A sterile granuloma (body reacting to the product) is usually seen in  a more delayed fashion. Steroids and occasionally 5-FU can treat that inflammatory reaction, but they do "dissolve" the product.

Bellafill injected 2 yrs ago. Cheeks look bulky. Can 5FU/steroids help?

Answers (8)

Answer: A consultation with an experienced Bellafill practitioner needed

Answer: A consultation with an experienced Bellafill practitioner needed

Answer: Bellafill

Answer: Bellafill

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Everything you need to know about Bellafill

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Bellafill injected 2 yrs ago. Cheeks look bulky. Can 5FU/steroids help?

Answers (8)

Answer: A consultation with an experienced Bellafill practitioner needed

Answer: A consultation with an experienced Bellafill practitioner needed

Answer: Bellafill

Answer: Bellafill

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Bellafill

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.