Small lumps and bluish discoloration after Bellafil, is this normal? What can I do?

Question

I got Bellafill for my cheeks about 2 months ago. I see a couple of small lumps & bluish discoloration. (the black & blue went away 3 weeks after I was injected) Is this normal with Bellafill & what can be done about this?? My cheeks looked better before I was injected!! Thanks!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This should be followed up with your injector. Massage, 5fu/steroid injections and venus legacy treatments can help soften the lumps. Bellafill cannot form blue discoloration however. Best, Dr. Emer.

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

This is not a normal reaction to Bellafill. I recommend having this evaluated. Remember to always see an expert injector.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is not normal and should be discussed with you doctor. I would consider using 5 FU if the nodules are large. It is extremely important to be injected by an experienced physician with this filler. I'm a trainer for this product. It is an extremely safe product in the right hands.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

I am sorry that you are having a problem.  Three weeks for bruising to dissipate is a very long time and that tells me that you had a lot of bleeding at the time of your injection.  I would imagine that a needle rather than a cannula was used to do your injections.  Blood can be very caustic to tissue and when mixed with the collagen that is in Bellafill, can result in a lot of scarring and tissue trauma.  This is more than likely what you are seeing if you are only 2 months out form your injections.  I advise patients to wait 3 months after their injections before intervening with alternative treatment.  For now, gentle massage may help.  After 3 months, a series of three to four 5FU plus Kenalog 10 injections will almost always settle these types of problems down.I hope that helps.Best regards.

Small lumps and bluish discoloration after Bellafil, is this normal? What can I do?

Answers (5)

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