Belotero

Belotero is dermal filler made up of hyaluronic acid. This acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body and is used to combat aging issues or skin irregularities. Belotero is injected beneath the skin to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and folds. This type of filler can be used to treat etched-in lines on the skin, forehead lines, crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes and the marionette lines/smile lines on the sides of the mouth. Belotero has low G-Prime which is the measure used to determine the firmness of a filler. Low G-Prime filler has very low elasticity and viscosity. This makes it ideal for surface injections since it can be injected closer to the skin’s surface without producing nodules or a bluish discoloration that other fillers may produce.

Am I a Good Candidate for Belotero?

A GOOD CANDIDATE for Belotero includes:

• Patients with fine lines and moderately deep wrinkles or folds
• A patient who wants to fill-in a depressed scar
• Patients with volume loss or hollowness under the eyes
• Any patient who wishes to reduce the appearance of smoker’s lines around the mouth
• A patient with superficial etched-in lines since these lines are difficult to treat with other fillers
• Patients looking for a subtle but effective correction for the early signs of aging

The following patients are NOT GOOD CANDIDATES for Belotero:

• Patients who want a significant lift or volume, such as cheek augmentation, to create a more youthful look
• A patient looking for permanent or long-lasting effects
• Patients with extensive or deep facial wrinkles or folds
• A patient with a bleeding disorder and those on blood thinners
• Patients with active cold sores (herpes simplex virus), acne flares or rashes on the face

How is Belotero Performed?

Belotero injections can be performed in the doctor’s office and can take less than 30 minutes (depending on the number of treatment sites). The treatment area will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent and the doctor may mark the precise injection points. Most patients do not need an anesthetic but patients can request a topical anesthetic prior to any injections. A fine needle will be used to inject the thin, gel-like substance just under the skin of the treatment area. The doctor will continually evaluate the results of the injections to determine if additional filler is needed. Once the injections are complete, the doctor will wipe away the markings and may offer an ice pack to reduce swelling and/or discomfort.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative filler treatments may include Restylane or Juvederm. These types of fillers have a higher G-Prime and may be used to treat large volume loss or deeper wrinkles. The consistency of these dermal fillers can treat areas such as sunken cheeks or under-eye hollowness, deep marionette folds and moderate wrinkles. Patients with significant, or very deep, facial creases and poor skin laxity may be better candidates for a surgical procedure such as a facelift.

What is the Cost of Belotero?

The cost of Belotero is comparable to other types of fillers at $500-$800 per syringe. While some patients are able to achieve their desired outcome with one syringe, other patients may need multiple syringes. The number of syringes needed depends on the size of the treatment area and the number of areas to be treated.

Recovery and Downtime

There is little to no RECOVERY or DOWNTIME after Belotero treatments. However, patients may experience some temporary redness and tenderness at the injection site. Bruising and swelling are also common side effects that can occur but ice packs can be used during the first few days to minimize these conditions. These side effects usually only last a few days to a week and can be concealed with makeup. Small bumps may develop under the skin, at the injection site, but these should dissipate on their own within a week.  If they do not, these lumps can often be dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase.

Results

The results from Belotero vary from person to person but the effects of the filler will be immediately visible. The treatment area will appear fuller and more youthful looking. The effects of Belotero are temporary since the body naturally absorbs hyaluronic acid products. The results usually last 6 to 8 months but the patient will need repeat injections once or twice a year to maintain the effects.

The longevity of the results depends on the patient’s body, where the product is injected and if there is a lot of motion in that area. Depending on the amount of motion in the area, the filler might not last as long and/or may migrate a little bit. Patients who have filler injections on a regular basis may be able to receive less filler, with less frequent visits to the doctor, while maintaining longer lasting benefits. This is because repeat injections will encourage the body to produce more collagen and help smooth out the wrinkles.

 Limitations of Belotero

The limitations involved with Belotero include:

• The duration of the results
• The amount of results that can be achieved with one syringe
• It should only be used to treat thin to moderately deep wrinkles
• It should not be used to plump up an area of the face such as the cheeks

Risks of Belotero

The risks associated with Belotero include:

• Allergic reaction
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Contour irregularities, lumps or bumps
• Asymmetry
• Migration
• Skin necrosis and ulceration
• Over, or under, correction
• Scarring
• Blindness (very rare)
• Stroke (very rare)

Belotero Provides Facial Rejuvenation

Belotero is considered a safe and effective means for facial rejuvenation. While all dermal fillers carry a certain degree of side effects and risks, Belotero is comprised of hyaluronic acid which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction or rejection from the body. When considering Belotero, patients should consult with a board-certified doctor who specializes in dermal fillers and has an intimate understanding of facial anatomy. A well-skilled doctor can help reduce the potential side effects and risks while providing the best possible outcome.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team –MA

Based on an exclusive interview with Donald Baker, MD in Gibbsboro, NJ