I had 3 Belafill injections 4 months ago, I do not see any results. What recourse do I have?

Hello and thank you for your question.  Bellafil can take a few sessions to build upon.  It is a combination of PMMA and collagen gel which naturally metabolizes leaving the microspheres in place. Your own collagen adds to the microspheres and builds up slowly.  This process can take up to a couple of months.  We usually recommend coming a few times every 6-8 weeks to have optimal results that will last.  Depending on the area of interest and what you are trying to achieve, this may be what is recommended. I'm not sure if you had 3 syringes in one sitting or 3 different sessions, but I suggest talking to your provider again to have him/her re-evaluate your case and determine weather or not you need to have more done. Most offices take before and after photos which can help show your improvement, even if it is subtle.  Hope this helps!

Good before and after photos are needed for comparing the areas corrected. It could be that you are a "slow collagen producer" and possibly more time is needed. If you have metabolic disease, are on immunosuppressive medications, have a weakened immune system, are battling a major medical problem and losing weight, than you will not produce the normal collage and someone who is healthy. What is your recourse all depends on the provider and what he/she feels is fair.

I am assuming you received 3 syringes of Bellafil which comprises of 0.8 ml of PMMA mixed with bovine or cow collagen.  Depending on how volume deficient you may have been this may be a drop in the bucket especially if the provider spread the 3 syringes out over multiple areas versus just focusing on 1 or 2 areas.   For example a very hollow temple area can easily use 5 syringes for moderate improvement.   It is highly unlikely that there is absolutely no improvement whatsoever.  Make an appointment with your provider to go over before and after photos.  That should help address your concerns and do what you feel most comfortable with.  

Dr. TJ Tsay

I am sorry that you are feeling that way about your Bellafill treatment.  Usually with 3 syringes, placed in the right places, depending upon your concerns, goals and areas of volume loss before the procedure, a good result can be achieved.  Assuming that good before photos were obtained, return to your provider and have them take your after photos and go over them critically with your provider.  I am not sure how you know your provider is number one or how you are defining number one, since there quite a few locations in the Tampa area that inject Bellafill, but if you are not satisfied after your return visit, I would look on the Suneva Medical website (they make Bellafill) and find a Plastic Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  I would then make sure that surgeon does the injections and does not have a mid level provider in their office do them.  Many injectors and patients, feel that Bellafill is just another filler but that is not the case.  Bellafill can produce a tremendous result but it is like a pencil.  A pencil in the hands of a four year old will produce one thing and a pencil in an artist's hand will produce something else.Please do your research if you do not like your results after carefully looking at your before and after photos.I have added a video and a website reference that may help you.Best regards.