Bellafill Filler For Acne Scarring
What is Bellafill?
Bellafill is an injectable wrinkle filler. It is used in ways similar to other wrinkle fillers, such as Juvederm Ultra Plus. It is most often used to inject into the nasolabial folds. Bellafill is also approved for the treatment of acne scars.
How Does Bellafill Work?
Bellafill gel is 80% purified bovine collagen and 20% polymethylacrylate (PMMA) microsphere. The collagen provides immediate volume, while the PMMA microspheres stimulate the skin to regenerate further, possibly providing a longer-lasting result.
Results may vary patient to patients. There is no guarantee that any specific result can be achieved.
How Is Bellafill used?
Bellafill is injected in a similar fashion to other fillers, such as those made from hyaluronic acid. However, because Bellafill contains bovine collagen, to which some people are allergic, a skin test is required prior to Bellafill injection. At your initial visit, a small test injection is made into the forearm. This is evaluated four weeks later for any allergic reaction. If there is no allergic reaction, then treatment for wrinkles or acne scars can proceed. It can be injected directly into the nasolabial folds, or into certain acne scars.
Do Bellafill Injections Hurt?
Bellafill, like several other injectable fillers, contains lidocaine to lessen the discomfort of injection. Topical numbing can be applied as well prior to the procedure, and this is advised for treating acne scars.
Are There Side-Effects From Bellafill Injections?
Side-effects with Bellafill are similar to those seen with other fillers. This includes bruising, swelling, tenderness and redness at the injection site. These usually resolve in a few days. Rash and itching more than 48 hours after treatment can sometimes be seen. More rarely, lumps and granulomas may occur. Granulomas occurred at a rate of 1.7% on the Bellafill clinical study, of which the majority had improved or resolved by the end of the observation period.
What Type Of Acne Scars Can Be Treated With Bellafill?
Acne scars need to be distensible to be treated successfully with Bellafill. If when stretched the scar appears like normal skin, then it is a good candidate for injection with Bellafill filler. Rolling acne scars are the best candidates. Ice pick acne scars and boxcar acne scars are not likely to be good candidates for Bellafill injection.
Can Bellafill Be Used With Other Treatments For Acne Scarring?
Bellafill is just one possibility for treating acne scarring, and not all acne scars can be treated with Bellafill. Acne scars can be treated with the Vbeam laser, the DEKA Co2 Laser, growth factors, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
