Scars can be hard to live with, especially when they affect your confidence. At Advanced Dermatology, we offer Bellafill, one of the most effective and long-lasting injectable fillers for scars available today. Whether you are dealing with acne scars or other types of facial scarring, Bellafill injections can help restore a smoother, more even complexion.
What Are Bellafill Dermal Fillers?
Bellafill is a clinically proven collagen-based dermal filler for scars that is FDA-approved. It is specifically approved for the correction of moderate to severe, indented (atrophic) facial acne scars on the cheeks in patients over 21. It was also approved for treating nasolabial folds back in 2006.
What makes Bellafill unique is its dual-action formula. It contains bovine collagen gel plus tiny polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. These microspheres are non-absorbable, meaning they stay in place long after the collagen breaks down. This gives Bellafill its reputation as a long-lasting solution compared to many other injectable fillers.
How Does Bellafill Work?
When Bellafill is injected into a scar, the collagen gel immediately adds volume beneath the skin. This lifts the depressed area and creates a visibly smoother surface right away. Over the following weeks and months, the PMMA microspheres act as a scaffold. They encourage your body to produce its own natural collagen around them, building lasting support from within.
Unlike temporary fillers that simply fill and dissolve, Bellafill creates a structural foundation. Because the microspheres cannot be absorbed by the body, the results are considered semi-permanent. The implantation can only be physically removed if needed.
The Benefits of Bellafill Fillers for Scars
Bellafill for scars offers a range of advantages that set it apart from other treatment options. Here is a closer look at what makes it such a popular choice for patients seeking lasting scar correction:
- Long-Lasting Results: Bellafill is one of the only dermal fillers approved for use lasting up to five years. Unlike many other fillers that require frequent touch-ups, Bellafill provides durable correction that patients can rely on.
- Immediate Visible Improvement: Patients typically notice a difference right away following their Bellafill injections. The collagen in the formula lifts scar tissue immediately, giving you a head start on your results before the PMMA microspheres take full effect.
- Stimulates Your Own Collagen: Bellafill triggers your body to produce new collagen around the microspheres over time. This means your results can actually improve in the weeks and months following treatment.
- FDA-Approved for Acne Scars: Bellafill is the only dermal filler with FDA approval specifically for acne scar correction. This approval is backed by clinical trials, giving patients and providers confidence in its safety and effectiveness.
- Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to their normal routine shortly after receiving Bellafill injections. There is little recovery time involved, making it a convenient option.
Ideal Candidates for Bellafill Injections
Bellafill is best suited for adults over 21 with moderate to severe, distensible acne scars on the cheeks. Distensible means the scar edges can be gently stretched flat. If your scars respond to manual stretching, Bellafill may be a good fit. It’s also a strong option for patients looking for a long-term solution who haven’t had success with topical treatments or surface-level procedures.
Before treatment, a skin allergy test is required, as Bellafill contains bovine collagen and lidocaine. Patients who are pregnant, nursing, or prone to keloid scarring may not be ideal candidates. One rare but important risk to know about is granuloma formation: a small, hard lump at the injection site that can occasionally persist long-term. Because Bellafill’s PMMA microspheres are non-absorbable, they cannot be dissolved like hyaluronic acid fillers. Your provider will walk you through all risks and side effects during your consultation.
Bellafill Treatments at Advanced Dermatology
At Advanced Dermatology, our team of board-certified dermatologists and skilled cosmetic coordinators have years of experience administering Bellafill injections and a full range of cosmetic procedures. We take a personalized approach with every patient. We believe the best results come from truly understanding your skin, your goals, and your medical history.
Here is what you can expect when you come to Advanced Dermatology for Bellafill treatments:
- Initial Consultation: One of our cosmetic coordinators or dermatologists will review your medical history, assess your scars, and determine whether Bellafill is the right fit for your needs.
- Allergy Testing: Because Bellafill contains bovine collagen, a skin allergy test is completed four weeks before your injection appointment.
- Treatment Day: Your provider will cleanse the treatment area, mark the injection sites, and carefully administer the Bellafill beneath each scar. The lidocaine in the formula helps keep you comfortable, and most sessions are completed in under an hour.
- Immediate Aftercare: Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur and typically resolves within a few days. Avoid strenuous exercise, direct sun exposure, and dental surgery within two weeks of treatment.
- Follow-Up and Touch-Ups: Results are usually visible right away, but it takes 2 to 4 weeks for everything to fully settle in. In the month following your injection, some minor tweaking may be needed. This could include a gentle massage or a small additional injection to get the best possible outcome.
Contact Advanced Dermatology for Bellafill Treatments
Advanced Dermatology offers Bellafill treatments in a comfortable and professional setting near Chicago. Our expert team will take the time to understand your skin and build a plan that works for you. Schedule a consultation with our North Shore dermatologists and providers today at our Glencoe or Lincolnshire locations.
