There’s no denying it: life can be hard on our skin, and especially the parts of us that we really show to the world. Aging, stress, sun exposure, and pollution all take their toll. To top it off, our natural production of proteins like collagen starts to slow with age, and those over-the-counter skincare products just don’t work as they should. At ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD, we offer the long-lasting Bellafill as a skin solution you’ll love.
What Is Bellafill?
This FDA-approved dermal filler is an ideal treatment to address mild to moderate signs of aging. It’s a wonderful way to treat fine lines and wrinkles, restore lost volume, and even minimize acne scarring.
In fact, this dermal filler is actually considered not only a specifically anti-aging treatment but also a good all-around solution for perfecting your skin and returning it to a more youthful and vibrant look.
How It Works
One of the key reasons our skin starts to show signs of aging is the loss of collagen. This important protein gives our skin its strength. It’s also necessary to keep up the foundation of the lower levels of our skin and anchor the upper layers of the skin to the fat and muscle beneath. As we age and collagen levels drop, our skin becomes less resilient and laxer.
This dermal filler mixes collagen with microspheres made from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Together, these plump your skin, working from the inside out. Lost volume is restored and you’ll immediately notice your overall appearance returning to what you remember in the past. The best news of all is that this potent combo of collagen and PMMA offers a long-term solution, unlike many other dermal fillers that only provide relief for a few months at a time.
Does Bellafill Really Last Five Years?
Because other fillers only work for a few months or perhaps a year at a time, it’s understandable to feel skeptical about the claim that Bellafill can actually last for a whole five years. We’re glad to be able to say, however, that in this case, the rumors are absolutely true.
What Makes the Difference
Most other dermal fillers are made only of ingredients that the body absorbs fairly quickly. If a dermal filler is just collagen or is made up of primarily hyaluronic acid, it will need to be refreshed several times a year as the body absorbs these natural substances.
What makes this filler different is the addition of the microspheres. When you have a bellafill treatment, the collagen goes to work instantly to plump the skin and improve the look of lines and wrinkles. This collagen will be absorbed by the body in just a few months: however, the PMMA microspheres will actually spur the production of your body’s own natural collagen! That collagen will build a strong, youthful support structure around the PMMA that will last for years.
The Benefits of Bellafill
Some of the benefits of this treatment are easy to understand. Clearly, longevity is an important plus! In addition, you get instant results from the collagen, meaning this filler is basically the best of both worlds. You have the instant results you would expect from a bellafill dermal filler combined with the long-term skin support you would normally expect from more invasive procedures. Yet these aren’t the only benefits to consider.
Safety
This dermal filler has gone through rigorous testing and many clinical trials. These trials and tests went on for more than five years before the FDA finally approved the treatment as very safe. These trials and the use of the filler show that allergic reactions are extremely rare. There are virtually no side effects to be concerned about.
Versatility
This dermal filler can address a number of different skin concerns simultaneously. While you can combine it with other treatments, you certainly might not need to! Our clients regularly use this treatment to lift and plump the skin, contour their cheeks, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, reduce acne scarring, reshape the nose, get rid of those undereye hollows, define the jawline, and enhance the lips.
Combining With Other Treatments
While you might not feel any need to combine this dermal filler with other treatments, there’s nothing wrong with doing so. We may advise you not to combine dermal fillers, but there are many other treatments available that are the perfect compliment for this one.
When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll help you decide which treatments to use. Some, like this filler, address the sub-layers of the skin, while others can address superficial skin issues quickly. Here are just a few complimentary treatments to consider:
HydraFacial
The HydraFacial is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world, and it’s easy to see why. This facial is gentle but effective, removing layers of old skin and performing painless extractions as it simultaneously infuses your skin with serums and boosters. You can expect to minimize the look of sunspots, further smooth out lines and wrinkles, reduce acne breakouts, and more with this facial.
Laser Rejuvenation
We use the LightPod Neo to gently tighten the skin, reduce wrinkles, and address issues with pigmentation, unwanted hair, rosacea, psoriasis, warts, and more. It’s also helpful on stubborn scars. This is such a gentle treatment that it doesn’t even require a numbing cream!
These are just two of the many possible treatments we offer. Come talk to us about more and let us help you plan out a skincare schedule that will have you looking and feeling worlds younger.
The Bellafill Process
Initial Consultation
When you first come to see us, we’ll assess the condition of your skin, listen to your concerns and goals, and even help you identify any skin concerns that might not be on your radar! We’ll also collect your medical history, including any issues you’re dealing with right now and any medications and supplements you’re taking at the moment. This will allow us to make the right recommendations for you.
We will also want to know about any previous skincare treatments you’ve had–including any fillers–so we get an idea of where you’re coming from. It’s also important for us to know about your current skincare regime and what skincare products you’re using. But don’t worry: most people who are interested in this treatment are good candidates for it.
Pre-Treatment Guidelines
Before you have your injection, we’ll need to make sure you are in the ideal condition to make the most of this amazing product. By following the guidelines we give you, you’ll enjoy the most comfortable treatment and ensure success.
While the specific guidelines will depend on your personal medical history and needs, in general, there will be a shortlist of medications, supplements, and foods to avoid during the week to three days before treatment. We may also ask you to temporarily pause using certain skincare products for a few days.
During Treatment
Cleansing and Numbing
Out of an abundance of caution, we will start by thoroughly cleansing your skin of any dirt, oil, or makeup that might be on it. With a perfectly sterile face, you can be sure there’s no chance of infection.
If you want, we can then apply a topical anesthetic to make the whole experience as comfortable as possible. The needle we use is so small you’re unlikely to feel any pain even without the anesthetic, but some people are nervous about needles and prefer not to feel any sensation at all. Just talk to us about your concerns.
Injections
When we work with you to build a treatment plan, we’ll map out where precisely we’re going to make injections to get you the best possible results. The goal is always to make you look younger, fresher, and completely natural. Depending on the number of areas we’re treating, it could take anywhere from 15 minutes to about an hour to finish the injections.
Post-Injection
When you’re finished with your injections, we’ll give you a list of guidelines to ensure your personal recovery is fast and simple. Most of these guidelines are the same as you would receive for nearly any filler injection, though there may be some specifics based on your unique case. In general, you should:
- Avoid touching and massaging the treated area for a day
- Avoid makeup and certain skincare products for a day
- Stay out of the sun or any excessive heat (like a sauna) for three days
- Skip certain medications or supplements for a few days
Recovery
Really, the word “recovery” is much too serious for this treatment. There is no real recovery time, and nearly everyone goes right back to their daily schedule and routine immediately after treatment. We may suggest that you sleep with your head slightly elevated that first night, and it’s also a good idea to avoid any activities that would produce excessive sweating for three days or so.
Otherwise, there shouldn’t really be any change to your routine, and you won’t experience any of the swelling and pain that you would get from invasive procedures that produce similar results.
Results
Your first results will show up immediately. You’ll notice that your skin appears more full and youthful and that the appearance of fine lines and winkles is already waning. Over the next few weeks, your skin will only continue to improve as the PMMA microspheres settle in. The final, full effects can be seen at about the three-month mark.
It’s very possible that you’ll enjoy the full effects of this treatment for five years, though some people see some effects begin to fade around three years in. The longevity of the results ultimately depends on your personal body composition as well as the way you treat your skin. If you follow good skincare protocol, like staying out of the sun, avoiding smoking and excess alcohol consumption, and staying hydrated and moisturized, your results will last far longer.
It’s also fine to receive a series of Bellafill injections so the effects can build on one another. This can be a great way to address particularly deep wrinkles or scaring.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Most people are good candidates for this treatment, and it’s perfect for both men and women. This is something you should especially consider if you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, undereye hollows, acne or another scarring, thin lips, or skin laxity.
There are only a very few things that could keep you from treatment, an allergy to the microspheres being one of them. We’ll test for that so you can pursue treatment with confidence.
Get Started on Treatment Today!
This dermal filler is a great way to get the youthful skin you desire. If you’re not confident in the way you look, contact ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD today and ask us about this and other options. We’re looking forward to meeting you!