As we grow older, our faces begin to naturally lose volume, both causing wrinkles and exacerbating the ones that we already have. This is mostly due to a loss of subsurface fat and the age-related breakdown of collagen, which normally provides a lot of the skin’s bulk. Fortunately, a long-lasting facial filler such as Bellafill can help.
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What is Bellafill?
Bellafill is a type of injectable treatment that helps to correct lines and wrinkles, creases, and scars of the facial skin. One thing that makes Bellafill unique is that, unlike traditional facial fillers, it offers long-lasting skin improvements. In fact, Bellafill boasts an impressive five-year lifespan before touch ups are required, making it the longest lasting filler available on the market.
What It Treats
Like most facial fillers, Bellafill is most effective when used to treat certain areas. It can be used for:
- Brow lifting: No surgery required.
- Facial volume enhancement: Bellafill can be injected into almost any area of the face to increase facial volume.
- Facial prominence enhancement: Bellafill can fill in not only wrinkles and depressions, it is useful for augmenting or enhancing areas of the face like the cheeks and chin.
- Nasal enhancement: Bellafill can be used either before or after a nose job (rhinoplasty) or to correct some types of nasal deformities.
- Lip augmentation: Although Bellafill is not a complete lip enhancement solution, it can be injected around the perimeter of the lips to improve their appearance.
How It Works
Besides offering long-lasting results, one thing that sets Bellafill apart in the facial filler world is its unique formulation: It consists of something called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the form of microspheres for improved bioavailability. This is a special type of resin that has been safely used for medical implants for decades, as well as for treating acne scars.
The PMMA microspheres provide solid support for smoother and more youthful skin, remaining there long after your initial injections. Over time, the injected PMMA, which is mixed within a collagen gel, will be fully absorbed by your body. This process naturally stimulates your body’s own production of collagen to offer significant skin-plumping effects lasting five years or more.
One advantage of treatment with Bellafill is that it offers results that appear very natural. You are simply replacing skin volume lost due to the aging process. No incisions or placement of exotic implants are necessary. You will simply look like a younger version of yourself.
What to Expect
Before being approved for treatment with Bellafill, you will need to take part in a consultation with your Bellafill provider. They will be performing a skin test to ensure that you are not allergic to any of its ingredients. You will be asked about any medications that you are currently taking, including nutritional supplements and herbs, and if you are pregnant.
Because You’re Curious
Here are your answers to the most commonly asked questions about treatment with Bellafill:
Is Bellafill right for me?
In clinical trials, Bellafill was found to be equally effective for both male and female patients with different skin types. If you are prone to severe allergies, specifically to bovine collagen or lidocaine, or are prone to developing certain types of scars, or have a bleeding disorder, inform your practitioner.
How long will my treatment take?
For most people, a Bellafill treatment session will take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete, depending upon the size of the treatment area. Since Bellafill is a minimally invasive treatment, you should expect no downtime. It is normal to experience some temporary and minor bruising, swelling, or lumps at the injection sites. These should resolve themselves within one week at the most.
When will I see results, and how long will they last?
The injected collagen should provide immediate results in your skin texture. As your body is stimulated into making brand new collagen, your results will continue improving for up to six months longer. If after six months your results are not what you had hoped for, talk with your practitioner about additional injections or your other treatment options.
Your results should last around five years. A recent study found that 87% of those treated with Bellafill for smile lines were still satisfied with their results a full five years after their injections.
