BELLAFILL: USES, EFFECTIVENESS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Bellafill is a long-lasting filler for wrinkles, skin folds, acne, and facial scars in both women and men. It uses a natural method to stimulate collagen, thus giving people a more youthful appearance. Bellafill is approved by the FDA and is usually injected by a licensed practitioner. Bellafill unique is that it is a long term filler and can last five to nine years, unlike many temporary dermal fillers.
What does Bellafill contain?
Bellafill is a combination of microsphere enhanced bovine collagen and local anesthetic lidocaine. These microspheres are produced from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by both FDA and USDA guidelines. It is very different from the common Botox injections and other HA dermal fillers. Bellafill is the most studied dermal filler on the market. Also, it has proven itself to be safe and effective.
How does Bellafill work?
Dr. Kamal Alhallak, Ph.D., injects Bellafil deep into the skin where the body's collagen surrounds the microspheres. About a month before undergoing this treatment, you will need to undergo an allergy skin test, this test will help confirm how you react to collagen.
What are the benefits of Bellafill?
Bellafill is a special permanent dermal filler, which offers a long-lasting solution to wrinkles and lasts up to five years. Unlike other products made from natural or synthetic materials, the body doesn't absorb Bellafill. This is because it’s made from a collagen microsphere. The benefits of Bellafill include:
- Corrects nasolabial folds, facial scars, acne, wrinkles, smile lines, and so on.
- It offers immediate results.
- Results can last up to five years
- Encourages the renewal of the body’s collagen
Is Bellafill for you?
While this dermal filler helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it might not be the best treatment for you. Do not use Bellafill if you:
- Test positive to the Bellafill allergy skin test
- Have a history of severe allergies and hypersensitivity
- Have an allergy to the previous bovine collagen product
- Have excessive or thick scars
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding (although studies have not been done on nursing mothers and pregnant women).
Are there any side effects?
Like other injectables, you may feel mild swelling and redness at the injection site. Other side effects include swelling, itching, and pain, redness after 48 hours and rare side effects include lumps and granulomas. We do not inject Bellafill in sites with sores, pimples, cysts, or infection. In a situation like this, you should postpone the injection until you heal completely.
The allergy test
Since Bellafill has bovine collagen, we test every potential Bellafill clients for allergies. This test is performed by injecting a small amount of collagen into the dermal level of the skin. We will watch for the skin reactions to know if a patient is a candidate for the fillers or not.
Is Bellafill the same as the Sculptra?
No, please read more about Sculptra here