Dermal fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in America. In 2022, more than 5 million people received injectable fillers.1
Most people chose fillers made of hyaluronic acid (HA) like Juvederm or Restylane, which last nine to 24 months. However, a growing number of people are opting for longer-lasting fillers such as Bellafill. Bellafill treats many of the same concerns as HA fillers and lasts up to five years.
What Is Bellafill?
Bellafill is a dermal filler. Like other fillers, it is designed to be injected under the skin to make the treated area look fuller. Most fillers are made of a hyaluronic acid gel that adds volume to the skin. HA is a naturally occurring substance, and HA fillers are gradually absorbed by the body.2
Bellafill is made of a combination of bovine collagen and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres.3 The collagen creates immediate volume so that results can be seen right away.4
Over time, the body absorbs the injected collagen, but PMMA microspheres remain.5 They stimulate collagen production.6 The new collagen attaches to the structure of the microspheres, creating volume and smoothing the skin.7
The effects of PMMA fillers remain visible for at least five years.8 Some experts consider Bellafill permanent, but there isn’t significant research on the effects of Bellafill beyond five years post-injection.9 The microspheres can only be removed via surgery.10
What Is Bellafill Used For?
The FDA has approved Bellafill for treating the nasolabial folds, which are the deep wrinkles beside the mouth. It’s also approved for treating acne scars. Some injectors will use Bellafill “off-label” for treating bags under the eyes, adding volume over the cheeks, or sculpting the nose and chin. It is not approved for anyone under the age of 21.11
What To Expect When Getting Bellafill
Before you get Bellafill, you will need to have an allergy test.12 This ensures that you don’t have an allergic reaction to the bovine collagen in the injections. The test usually takes place several weeks before your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, your injector may offer you a numbing cream to reduce discomfort. The injection process will usually take between 15 and 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. You may have some discomfort, bruising, or swelling in the days following the procedure. You should be able to return to normal activity right after your appointment.
You may need a follow-up treatment a few weeks after your first injection. Most people get the desired results after one or two treatments.
How To Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about PMMA injections like Bellafill, explore the comprehensive articles at My Filler Treatment. You can get in touch with a qualified injector in your area. They can help you decide if Bellafill is the right treatment for you.
SOURCES:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “2022 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release.“
- Healthline: “How Does Bellafill Stack Up Against Juvederm?”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
- RealSelf: “Answer: Bellafill duration of effect.”
- RealSelf: “Answer: Bellafill duration of effect.”
- FDA: “BELLAFILL® PATIENT LABELLING.”
- Healthline: “What Is Bellafill and How Does It Rejuvenate My Skin?.”
