Living life can be hard on the skin. Between aging, sun exposure, and hormonal fluctuations, our skin takes the brunt of the stress that life throws at us, and it shows when the production of natural proteins in our skin slows. When over-the-counter cleansers, creams, and serums are not strong enough, it’s time to turn to other methods to stop the clock on our skin. At Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH, we are proud to offer many skin solutions to our patients, including Bellafill.
This is a safe, innovative, and minimally invasive treatment that is changing the lives of people across the nation.
What Is Bellafill?
Bellafill is a revolutionary derma filler recently approved by the FDA. This treatment is an ideal solution for many mild to moderate skin concerns, such as fine lines and acne scarring. Like many other derma fillers that work to fill in lost volume, this treatment is considered both an anti-aging treatment and a general solution for perfecting skin.
How Does Bellafill Work?
This derma filler is made with a combination of collagen and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. The collagen and PMMA work together to plump the skin from the inside out, filling in lost volume and improving your overall appearance. And unlike other derma fillers, this treatment lasts for several years at a time, which is why it is considered a permanent wrinkle solution.
This is a minimally invasive treatment. Like other injectables, we use a thin needle to inject the solution directly into the areas of your skin that need the most attention. Our goal is to help you love the way you look, so your treatment will be totally customized to your exact needs. We will work together to create a treatment plan so that every area of your face gets the attention it needs.
What Are the Benefits of Bellafill?
There are a few important benefits of this treatment that we should highlight. Aside from the immediately noticeable results and the short downtime associated with this treatment, there are other benefits that many patients consider before deciding on this treatment.
Is It Safe?
This treatment is very safe. This treatment has undergone rigorous FDA testing and clinical trials for over 5 years before being released on the market, and allergic reactions to the PMMA present in the injection are extremely rare. Since this treatment uses a combination of natural collagen and PMMA, there is very little chance this treatment would cause a negative side effect for you.
What Can This Treat?
This treatment is incredibly versatile. This derma filler can be used to address any number of skin concerns at one time, eliminating the need for combining different injectables to get the results you want. This treatment can be used to:
- Lift and plump skin
- Contour cheeks
- Correct acne scars
- Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduce the appearance of under eye hollows
- Reshape nose
- Enhance and define lips
- Define jawline
- Smooth dimpling on the chin
Can This Work on Acne Scars?
This treatment is highly customizable for tricky skin concerns. For example, this treatment can be injected to specifically target acne scarring. Acne scars are often a tough issue for cosmetic treatments to correct since the cause of acne scarring is an uneven balance of the proteins in the skin. This filler can be used to support the skin structure and permanently reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Does Bellafill Really Last 5 Years?
Some patients wonder if it’s really true that this treatment can last for 5 years. And the simple answer is this: yes, it can.
This treatment is unlike any other derma filler available. Most fillers are made from solutions that are eventually absorbed by the body, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. And while those types of fillers are gentle, low-risk solutions for skin concerns, they also need to be refreshed several times a year to maintain the desired results.
This treatment is different. Because this treatment uses both collagen and PMMA, it has a longevity that is only matched by cosmetic surgeries. While the collagen in the filler will eventually be reabsorbed by the body, the PMMA stays exactly where it needs to be for many years at a time. Many patients still notice results from the filler after 5 years.
Can This Treatment Be Combined With Other Treatments?
While we advise against combining multiple derma fillers, there are other treatments that are often combined with this injectable. Combining treatments really comes down to understanding which treatments address issues in the sub-layers of the skin and which treatments address superficial concerns.
Since this is a treatment that does its work beneath the skin layers, the only treatments that can combine safely with it are those that only affect the top-most skin layer. Treatments that are often combined with this filler are HydraFacials, microdermabrasion, or dermaplaning.
If you are interested in combining this filler with other types of treatments, please speak with our staff about your options at your appointment. We will be happy to help you create a treatment plan to achieve your ideal appearance.
The Bellafill Process
We want your time at our clinic to be comprehensive from start to finish, and that begins with highlighting the key points of your treatment. Learn what you can expect from your entire treatment process before you call to schedule your first appointment.
Initial Appointment
Your initial appointment is a general consultation where we will assess your skin condition and help you identify your skin concerns. We will collect your general medical history and assess your current medical issues and any medications or supplements you might be taking. We will also ask about any cosmetic treatments you have had in the past, and particularly other derma fillers. All of this medical information will help us determine if this treatment is right for you.
We may take photographs of your skin to include in your medical file as a reference when we create your personalized treatment plan. You may be asked to complete certain lab tests or exams. It is also likely that we will perform a small PMMA allergy test to verify that this injection is a good fit for you.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
We will provide you with a list of pre-treatment guidelines that you should follow before you come in for your treatment appointment. These guidelines will ensure that your treatment is comfortable and successful. It is important to follow these pre-treatment guidelines for your own health and safety. These guidelines may include:
- Discontinue the use of certain medications or supplements 3 to 7 days before treatment
- Avoid the use of certain products 3 days before treatment
- Avoid eating certain foods for 3 days before treatment
We may give you additional guidelines to follow, such as calling and letting us know if you are having a reaction to the PMMA allergy test.
Step One: Cleanse
The first thing we will do at your treatment appointment is cleanse your skin of any make-up, dirt, or oil. It is important that the canvas of your face be as clean and sterile as possible to prepare for the needle injection.
At patient request, we can apply a topical anesthetic for your comfort. Some patients prefer the numbing cream prior to the injections, especially if they are wary of needles. Please let us know how we can make you comfortable at this appointment.
Step Two: Injection
Next, you will receive the injections as outlined by your customized treatment plan. Depending on how much work needs to be completed, the injections can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
Post-Treatment Guidelines
After your treatment is complete, you will be provided with a list of post-treatment guidelines to help you have a quick and flawless recovery. These guidelines are generally the same for all filler injections. These guidelines may include:
- Avoid massaging, squeezing, or touching the treated area for 1 day after treatment
- Avoid sun exposure or excessive heat
- Use sunscreen
- Do not apply make-up for 1 day after treatment
- Avoid the use of certain products
- Avoid the use of certain medications or supplements
We may provide you with additional guidelines to follow at the time of your appointment, such as avoiding excessive sweating. We may also prescribe medication or provide advice on how to deal with post-treatment discomfort.
Recovery
The recovery for this treatment is virtually zero. Most patients are free to return to their normal daily activities after treatment. We may advise light activity in the days following treatment. We may also advise that you sleep at a slight elevation on the day of your treatment. It is very important to not touch the face more than necessary on the day of your treatment.
Some patients experience minor redness and swelling at injection sights. These are normal and expected side effects that usually fade within hours of the treatment. Using ice packs or cold compresses on the skin minimize this temporary discomfort.
Results
Many patients notice immediate results following the treatment. Your skin will appear more full and youthful after the treatment and will continue to improve for several months as the collagen and PMMA solution settle into your skin. You will notice the full effects of the treatment at around 3 months after the injection.
The results for this treatment typically last up to 5 years. Some patients enjoy results for 3 years, while others enjoy results for more than 5 years. The longevity of the results depends on your exact body composition.
Some patients use this filler as a gradual build-up to correct more severe skin structure issues, such as deep scars or deep wrinkles. It is common to have a second treatment session for more severe skin concerns. We will help you determine if you need follow-up fillers to achieve the desired results.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for this treatment include anyone who is not satisfied with the way their skin looks. This treatment is for both men and women who want to restore the appearance of their skin, particularly expression lines and acne scars. You might be right for this treatment if you have:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Under-eye bags
- Acne scars
- Skin laxity in the cheeks and jaw
- Dimples in the chin
- Thin lips
Be Beautiful With Bellafill
If you think Bellafill is the skin solution you need to restore your confidence in the way you look, contact Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH to schedule your initial consultation today! It’s time to return your skin to its youthful glory. We look forward to the opportunity to have you as a patient at our clinic.
