Dermal Filler Safety

When it comes to dermal filler safety, there are some key differences between temporary products, like Restylane and Juvederm, and permanent fillers such as Bellafill.

In fact, while most temporary fillers produce mild and temporary side effects, a permanent filler like Bellafill can lead to long-term complications.

To learn why permanent fillers can mean permanent problems, read on.

What Is Bellafill?

Bellafill is a permanent dermal filler comprised of bovine (cow) collagen and PMMA microspheres.

It is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of nasolabial folds and acne scarring. Some injectors may administer Bellafill to other areas of the face off-label.

Results can last five years or longer.

Do Permanent Fillers Mean Permanent Problems?

The PMMA microspheres in Bellafill are responsible for its permanent nature. They can also contribute to several long-term complications including late granuloma formation and nodules.

Granulomas are clusters of immune cells that form around the injection site and are the result of an immune response to PMMA microspheres. One longitudinal study on Bellafill effects found a 1.7 percent risk of granuloma formation over five years.

Nodules are small rounded lumps that are caused by the clumping of injected Bellafill. This unwanted side effect is typically due to poor injection technique.

How to Manage Long-Term Complications of Bellafill?

Granulomas and nodules that develop following Bellafill injections can be managed with a series of injections of triamcinolone and 5FU, which are designed to shrink the nodules down. Surgery is a possible, yet infrequent, course of action for granulomas.

The long-term complications of Bellafill can be understandably concerning for patients. For this reason, many women and men opt to undergo injections with temporary dermal fillers that last 6 – 18 months.

Not only do these other injectable products, such as Restylane and Juvederm, carry much less risk, they can also be fully or partially dissolved in the event of a complication or undesirable results.

The same cannot be said about Bellafill. And as a permanent filler, it has the potential to lead to ongoing issues.

Learn More About Dermal Filler Safety

If you are considering an injectable treatment and want to learn more about dermal filler safety, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified dermatologist and leading injector Dr. Nicole Hayre.