If you don’t like the way aging has changed your appearance and you want a solution, our team at The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH has it. Belotero can help you look and feel more confident in your skin. This is what you need to know.
What Is Belotero Used for?
Belotero is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler injected into the targeted areas of the face using a fine needle. It’s designed to reduce and eliminate signs of aging like wrinkling and volume loss. It can be used to target several different parts of the face.
Cheeks
One of the noticeable side effects of aging is an overall thinning of the face. This can be especially evident in the cheek area. You may start looking gaunt the more your cheeks thin. This filler will put the lost volume back into your cheeks and provide them with more definition.
Laugh Lines
Smiling or laughing will make parallel lines appear between your nose and your mouth. These are called laugh lines or nasolabial folds. They’re often one of the first signs of aging to appear on a person’s face, and they can become quite severe.
This filler helps add more volume and elasticity to the skin to help reduce the appearance of these lines.
Lips
You can also use this filler to target your lips. Some people have naturally thin lips, while others may notice some significant volume loss as they get older. This filler can plump up your lips and make them appear more defined.
It can also be used to get rid of lipstick lines or smoker’s lines. These are the thin, vertical lines that appear on a person’s lips as they lose volume and elasticity.
What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?
This filler’s main ingredient hyaluronic acid is naturally present already in your skin as well as other parts of your body. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture molecules and attaches itself to them. In your skin, this helps maintain hydration as well as fullness.
You have high levels of this chemical when you’re young, but you’ll start to lose it as you get older. This injectable puts hyaluronic acid back into your skin to make it look plump and youthful again. There is also evidence that this chemical helps stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps your skin maintain its structure and elasticity.
What Is the Treatment Process Like?
Before Getting Treatment
If you choose our clinic, we will consult with you so we can discuss your goals and needs. This helps us come up with the most effective treatment plan for you. We’ll also take a look at your medical history so we can ensure that your treatment is safe.
At this point, we’ll also let you know how you should prepare during the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. We’ll ask that you avoid certain substances and products like alcohol, tobacco, aspirin, and some supplements.
Your Treatment
Once we’ve greeted you, your treatment will begin with us cleaning your skin and removing any grime and bacteria on it. To keep you comfortable throughout the process, we can apply a topical numbing cream. We can then start injecting the product.
You’ll get multiple injections in carefully chosen locations so ensure that you get the exact results you want from your treatment. At most, you’ll only feel a small pinch as the needle is applied. Most appointments generally take around 30 minutes.
After Your Treatment
Because this treatment is non-invasive, you can leave immediately after your appointment is done. There’s no downtime required, but you will need to keep a few important things in mind over the next week or so.
Your skin will be a little more sensitive than it usually is. Make sure you stay out of direct sunlight and avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t press down on the treated areas and sleep on your back.
When Do You See Results?
One of the benefits of this treatment is that almost immediately after your appointment, you should start to notice a change in your appearance. That’s because the product takes up space under your skin right away.
Full results are usually visible a week or two after your treatment.
How Long Will Results Last?
Generally speaking, Belotero treatments last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The exact length of time depends on factors like where you get your injections as well as how your skin reacts to the product.
How To Help Results Last Longer
Drink Plenty of Water
You should remember to drink water throughout the day, especially immediately after getting your injections. Drinking enough water will help to support the hyaluronic acid in this filler, ensuring that your results last as long as possible.
Eat Lean Proteins
Much like water will support the hyaluronic acid in this filler, eating lean proteins will help support the collagen that the treatment helps to produce. That’s because collagen itself is a protein.
You can find lean proteins in animal products like white meat, fish, and eggs. You can also find it in certain vegetable sources like beans and soy.
Take Care of Your Skin
One of the best things that you can do for your skin is to keep up with a healthy, regular skincare routine. This will be especially important once you get your Belotero injections. Wash your face twice a day and use a quality moisturizer.
Cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid and moisturizers with glycerin or hyaluronic acid will be particularly beneficial for your skin.
Wear Sun Protection
The sun emits UV rays which can be damaging to your skin. Unprotected sun exposure can put you at higher risk for wrinkling, sagging, and dark spots. It can also put you at risk for dangerous conditions like skin cancer.
If you want to reap the benefits of your treatment for as long as possible, make sure you apply sunscreen every time you go outside. Look for sunscreen with at least 30 SPF for the best protection. You should also regularly wear other protective gear like hats and sunglasses.
Go For Maintenance Treatments
Part of your treatment plan may include coming back to our clinic for touch-up appointments. These appointments will help your results stay consistent and allow you to enjoy them for as long as possible.
Belotero FAQs
Is It Safe?
Because this filler’s main ingredient is already present in your skin, it’s safe for almost anyone to get. Additionally, it is non-invasive which means it doesn’t carry any of the risks that are associated with more invasive options like surgery.
As long as you visit a qualified practitioner like those at our clinic, you can count on the treatment being both effective and safe.
Can You Combine It With Other Treatments?
This treatment is best suited for the lower face. If you have additional cosmetic concerns, then we can discuss combining it with one of our other injectable fillers.
It’s also possible to combine it with a treatment like BOTOX. This helps to keep the muscles under your skin relaxed which prevents the over-contracting that causes wrinkling.
How Much of the Product Is Needed?
The amount of this product that you’ll get injected depends on what your goals are and the current condition of your skin. We’ll customize your treatment plan to ensure you get the natural-looking but still noticeable results you want.
Who Should Avoid This Treatment?
Almost anyone can get injections of this filler. However, it should not be used on people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have any skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema flare-ups, or you have sunburns around the areas you want to be treated, then you should wait until those clear up.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This treatment is approved by the FDA for anyone over the age of 21. Most people begin to see wrinkling and other changes to their skin around their late 20s and earlier 30s, so that’s a good time to consider getting treatment.
However, it can also be used as a preventative measure against wrinkling and sagging, and it’s also an effective way to simply enhance your appearance.
Call Us Today To Learn More
If Belotero sounds like it could be exactly what you’re looking for to feel confident in your skin, then it’s time to get in touch with our team. Call us today at The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center in Cincinnati, OH.
