There are numerous dermal fillers on the cosmetic market, but Bellafill stands alone in its ability to safely and effectively fill in lines and wrinkles. Our patients love Bellafill because it provides the longest lasting results and without the need for an invasive surgery. Bellafill can take years off the face by minimizing or correcting the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, it is unsurpassable in its ability to diminish the appearance of acne scars on the cheeks. Following Bellafill treatment, our patients feel radiant and confident in their skin.
At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland, our injectable treatments not only provide an instant lift, they also continue to improve skin over time. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland is located in Hanover, MD and is led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Salman Ashruf.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate for Bellafill.
What Is Bellafill?
Bellafill, previously known as Artefill, is a dermal filler that has been FDA-approved for the correction of nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth since 2006. While most dermal fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, Bellafill is a unique formulation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) collagen microspheres that provide both instant and long-lasting improvement to the visible signs of aging. It is comprised of 20% PMMA microspheres and 80% collagen. This unique makeup is also the reason why it is the only dermal filler approved to treat acne scars.
Once injected directly underneath the skin of the treatment areas, it is formulated to immediately smooth and tighten the skin during the very first treatment. The PMMA microspheres are between 30-50 microns in size, which means that they are almost imperceptible to the human eye. Once the PMMA microspheres are injected, they remain in place and create a matrix. The collagen that comprises Bellafill will slowly be absorbed, but the microspheres will not. The matrix created by the microspheres will support the production of new collagen – the protein in your skin that is responsible for its strength and structure. In this way, you are provided with younger looking, beautiful skin and contour that lasts.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Prior to treatment, an allergy test will be conducted on your skin to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction to the product. The Bellafill Skin Test is required for all new patients interested in treatment with Bellafill. Your candidacy for Bellafill depends on several factors such as health, medical history, individual skin condition, and cosmetic goals and expectations; these will be evaluated by Dr. Ashruf during your consultation.
In general, Bellafill is a good treatment for men and women over the age of 21 concerned with the appearance of nasolabial folds or moderate to severe facial acne scars. Bellafill may not be a good treatment for patients who:
- Are allergic to lidocaine
- Have bleeding disorders
- Are susceptible to keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring
- Have severe allergies with a history of anaphylaxis
The only way to find out if Bellafill is right for you is by consulting with Dr. Ashruf. If you are new to fillers, Dr. Ashruf may suggest that you try a temporary filler first in order to make sure you are happy with the results before moving onto the longer-lasting Bellafill. Contact our office in Hanover, Maryland for more information.
Bellafill vs Other Injectables
Bellafill is the only dermal filler proven effective at treating acne scars. It is also the longest lasting filler available. Plus, Bellafill has been extensively studied longer than any other dermal filler. However, Bellafill is not for everybody and Dr. Ashruf never takes a “one size fits all” approach to any of his treatments. At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland, we offer a variety of injectables to fit our patient’s unique needs.
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- Botox: Botox, while not a filler, is an injectable that can temporarily reduce lines and wrinkles around the forehead and eyes by stopping nerve communication to the targeted muscle. It lasts about 3-6 months.
- Juvéderm: Juvéderm is a family of hyaluronic acid fillers including Juvéderm XC, Juvéderm Ultra, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Juvéderm Voluma, and Juvéderm Volbella. These formulas can be used to treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and vertical lip lines. It can also be used to augment the cheeks and lips. The results vary from patient to patient, but can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
- Kybella: Kybella is used to eliminate submental fat, more commonly called a double chin. It works over a period of approximately six months and the results are long lasting.
- Sculptra: Sculptra can help correct the appearance of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles. It helps replenish diminished collagen and lasts up to two years.
Many of these injectables can be administered at the same time as Bellafill for enhanced results. Please feel free to ask Dr. Ashruf about any injectables you are interested in at the time of the consultation.
Procedure
Bellafill treatments can be performed in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Bellafill treatment sessions are typically very quick. However, it may take more than one treatment in order to achieve your desired results. Treatment sessions are typically spaced three to six weeks apart. This allows time for the filler to settle, so the doctor understands where more filler needs to be injected. Most people find Bellafill injections relatively painless, especially since the injection contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic. If you wish, we can ice the area prior to injection to numb your skin. We can also provide a topical anesthesia. If you are interested in topical anesthesia, please let our staff know prior to the appointment date. The cost of the procedure will reflect this addition.
Unlike other dermal fillers, you do not need to schedule maintenance appointments as Bellafill for acne scars can last up to one year and Bellafill for nasolabial folds can last up to five years. However, Dr. Ashruf may ask you to come back in for a follow-up appointment a few weeks after the final treatment to ensure that you are satisfied with your results.
Recovery
Minor swelling, bruising, redness or itching is common at injection sites after treatment — these reactions should only last somewhere between one to seven days. Major side effects are rare, but all risks will be discussed with Dr. Ashruf prior to treatment.
The lidocaine will help provide long-term pain relief.
Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to help relieve discomfort, such as Tylenol. We highly recommend that you avoid anti-inflammatory medication like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, because these medications could prolong side effects.
In general, you will be able to return to your normal routine following treatment. However, we ask that you avoid rubbing or touching the injection sites, napping, and prolonged sun exposure for the rest of the day. When going out in the future, you should be sure to always wear sunscreen to promote long-lasting, healthy results.
Consultation
Patients in the Columbia and Maryland areas interested in Bellafill for nasolabial fold or acne scar correction should start by contacting Dr. Ashruf at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center & Laser Center of Maryland.
Dr. Ashruf will talk to you about your concerns and why you are interested in Bellafill. He will also examine your areas of concern in order to determine whether or not Bellafill is the best treatment solution. In some cases, Dr. Ashruf may recommend alternative procedures. If you have never had a filler before, he may suggest that you test the outcome with a temporary filler before committing to Bellafill.
If he considers you to be a good candidate for Bellafill, then Dr. Ashruf will administer the Bellafill Skin Test. This tests to see if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Bellafill. You must wait at least four weeks after the test is administered to confirm their result and get the injections.