Most of us have at least one skin concern. From deep wrinkles to thinning lips to difficult acne scars, our perceived flaws can make us feel self-conscious about our appearance. Fortunately, Eric P. Bachelor MD in Pleasanton, CA knows that dermal fillers like Bellafill can be the versatile treatment you need to correct all of your areas of concern, from wrinkles to acne scarring. Learn more about this dermal filler before you schedule your first appointment.
What Is Bellafill Used For?
The first thing you need to understand about this dermal filler is that it has more versatility than many other similar fillers available to patients. While fillers like Juvederm or Restylane make you mix and match to treat various areas of the face, Bellafill can treat virtually all areas with a single formula. The uses for this filler include:
Smile Lines
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are the fine lines and wrinkles that form around the nose and the mouth. This dermal filler was developed specifically to treat this area, which can be challenging because the wrinkles on this part of the face tend to be deep or dynamic.
Dynamic wrinkles are more difficult to treat compared to static wrinkles. This is because dynamic wrinkles are formed as a result of facial expressions, which means they are more difficult to prevent. Even for dermal fillers or other injectable treatments, because these areas of the face constantly move, formulas tend to break down more quickly than when fillers are used in other areas of the face.
Tear Troughs
Tear troughs are the area beneath the eye where thinning skin can create the illusion of “bags” beneath the eyes. Over time, because of natural fat loss in the face, the area beneath the eyes can lose volume and you will appear much older than you actually are. Treating tear troughs is traditionally done through surgery, but dermal fillers such as Bellafill can easily restore volume, eliminate under-eye bags, and make you look much younger.
Frown Lines
Frown lines are vertical wrinkles between the brows and horizontal wrinkles on the forehead. Frown lines are dynamic wrinkles that happen because of repeated brow-furrowing over a lifetime. People who are easily stressed or anxious tend to have pronounced frown lines that deepen with age.
Usually, the treatment of frown lines is done with an injectable neurotoxin such as Botox, but this dermal filler can easily restore volume on the upper face to smooth the appearance of frown lines. For people who are allergic to botulinum toxin, the use of a dermal filler in this area is an ideal solution. Currently, only Bellafill can be used on the forehead to treat frown lines.
Acne Scarring
Treating acne scars can be difficult. Regardless of your age or gender, acne scars can happen to anyone. Typically, atrophic acne scars are caused by premature collagen production while a pore is still inflamed, leading to “pits” or shallow scars on the face; hypertrophic acne scars are caused by collagen build-up over an inflamed wound, which is what creates the bumps associated with keloids.
Many people feel embarrassed about the appearance of acne scars, but they’re actually very common. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to hide textural acne scars with make-up and because these types of scars don’t go away by themselves, many people with acne scars can only turn to cosmetic treatments to reduce their appearance. While laser treatments are ideal for severe acne scars, dermal fillers are the best fit for mild to moderate acne scars on the cheeks and chin.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work for Acne Scars?
Because acne scars create small pockets of lost volume, correcting acne scars can be done when you restore volume in those areas. By using a dermal filler, you can restore facial volume in atrophic scars so that the depression in the skin will match the volume of the surrounding skin tissue. By using this dermal filler, you will also encourage natural collagen production that will allow you to enjoy longer-lasting results for acne scar reduction.
What Acne Scars Can You Treat?
Atrophic scars are an umbrella term for any scar on the skin that causes a loss of volume in small patches of skin tissue. This dermal filler is most effective for treating these types of scars. There are several types of atrophic acne scars, including icepick scars, boxcar scars, and rolling scars. Both icepick scars and rolling scars are tough to treat with other methods, including topical scar cream. Dermal fillers make it easy to smooth the appearance of these scars.
Skin Laxity
Skin laxity is caused by a combination of decreased skin proteins like collagen and elastin and natural fat displacement as a result of the aging process. Oftentimes, treating skin laxity can be challenging since sagging or loose skin can truly only be restored by either removing excess skin or restoring skin volume. Factors that contribute to early skin laxity include:
- Genetics
- Smoking and stress
- Unprotected sun exposure
- Significant or rapid weight loss
Ultimately, skin laxity occurs when the perfect storm of less firm skin structure meets the effects of gravity. Fortunately, treating skin laxity is easy when dermal fillers are used – particularly for people who do not want to undergo plastic surgery.
How This Filler Treats Skin Laxity
Injecting this dermal filler into areas of the face where skin laxity has created a sagging or loose appearance immediately restores skin volume so your skin can appear supple and smooth again. Not only will this filler instantly fill lax areas of the face, but it will also naturally increase collagen production to revitalize the structure of your skin. Areas of the face such as the jowls and the cheeks can benefit the most from this treatment.
Hollow Cheeks
Hollow cheeks can be caused by many factors, including your age, natural fat displacement, weight loss, or even medical conditions. Loss of facial volume in the cheeks can make your face appear gaunt, sunken, or bony. The loss of skin volume tends to be most prominent beneath the cheekbones, and that can put several years on your face.
How Does This Filler Correct Lost Volume?
The main role of any dermal filler is to restore volume in the skin. This particular filler works to fill in and rebuild volume in the sub-dermal layers of the skin that have been lost as a result of the natural aging process. As a volumizing treatment, you can benefit from the restorative nature of this filler since your body will produce its own collagen in areas of the face that have been treated.
How Does Bellafill Work?
This filler works by replacing collagen in the body that has been lost as a result of normal aging. As we get older, starting at around age 30, we begin to produce less collagen in the sub-dermal layers of our skin; over time, that lack of collagen decreases facial volume to the point where fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity develop.
This particular filler is formulated with PMMA microspheres, which provide structure to the filler to hold collagen in place. These microspheres also stimulate natural collagen production as the formula is slowly metabolized by the body, which means the results of your treatment will be both natural-looking and long-lasting.
When Will You See Results?
Many patients understandably want to know how soon they will see results from this dermal filler treatment. one of the best things about using dermal fillers for your aesthetic goals is the fact that these treatments tend to produce instant results. Most patients will be able to enjoy the results of this treatment as soon as their appointment is complete.
These immediate effects will continue to improve over the next several weeks as your body metabolizes the PMMA microspheres and natural collagen production begins. The collagen re-growth will reverse the signs of aging on your skin so you can appear more youthful and feel more confident.
How Long Will Your Appointment Last?
Another perk of dermal filler treatments is how quickly the appointments are. For most people, you can expect your appointment to take 15 to 30 minutes to complete based on how many areas of the face are being treated. Along with neurotoxins and other aesthetic treatments, dermal filler treatments are considered “lunchtime” appointments that can fit conveniently into your daily schedule.
Will You Have Recovery Time?
No, there is no recovery time associated with dermal filler treatments. You will be able to return to your normal schedule after your appointment with only a few restrictions in place, such as avoiding sunlight and strenuous exercise. This is one of the most appealing factors about dermal filler treatments, especially compared to plastic surgery procedures that require lengthy and often painful recovery periods.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of this treatment last for an impressively long time. While other dermal fillers may only produce results that last for one to two years at a time, Bellafill produces results that can last up to five years. The longevity of this treatment is a real game-changer for many patients, particularly those who are looking for a hassle-free treatment that doesn’t require much maintenance.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Women and men who are over the age of 21 are all eligible for this treatment. This filler can be used on any skin tone and skin type, making it an ideal choice for the vast majority of patients who want to treat age-related or scar-related concerns.
A consultation will be necessary to determine if this treatment is right for your unique aesthetic goals and your skin condition. We will examine your areas of concern and discuss the specifics of this treatment to help you decided if this filler is an ideal match for your needs.
Is This Filler Safe?
Yes, this filler is safe. As an FDA-approved treatment, this filler has passed several tests and clinical trials and has been determined safe for the treatment of skin volume-related concerns for the majority of people. One notable study monitored patients for five years to determine the safety of the filler, which is the longest study completed for any dermal filler to date.
This filler has been in use for over 10 years and is considered a good treatment option for those who want to treat age-related skin concerns and enjoy long-lasting results. Additionally, because PMMA microspheres are biologically compatible with the human body, most people will not need to be concerned about possible allergic reactions.
Enjoy Long-Lasting Results
If you want to look your best, then you probably want to look your best for the longest amount of time possible. While there are dermal fillers that can give you smooth skin for a year or so, Bellafill is the only filler that can produce results for up to five years for most skin concerns. Please contact Eric P. Bachelor MD in Pleasanton, CA to schedule your consultation appointment today.