Question: I’m interested in Bellafill because it lasts 5 years. I have deep creases in my smile area as well as puppet lines. Restylane and Juvederm only last a short while, requiring me to go back twice a year. How much Bellafill does one need for a 5 year result?

Answer: Bellafill, which was first FDA approved in 2005, is well-known to last 5 years. Like any filler, one must use the correct amount for an optimal result and duration. If temporary fillers only last 6 months for you, you may not have been getting enough syringes in the first place.

Regardless of choice of filler, a thorough evaluation by a Master Injector is the first step to assess:

• The aging areas of concern
• The severity of each area
• Whether the lines are deep, medium or superficial
• The unique characteristics of the specific area(s) being treated

These factors determine the type and amount of filler recommended. Not all wrinkles are the same. Additionally, not all fillers can be used interchangeably. For instance, certain fillers cannot be used for lip wrinkles, in the lips themselves or in the under eye hollows. Other fillers should not be used to restore cheek volume.

The amount of Bellafill you need is determined by the number of areas being treated and how deep those areas are. The deeper your nasolabial smile lines, the more syringes you require. A younger patient may only use half a syringe per smile line whereas a more mature patient may need 1.5 to 2 syringes per side.

The amount of temporary fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane needed is typically equivalent to the amount of Bellafill used. The difference lies in how long the filler lasts, its mechanism of action and the cost.

Naturally, most patients expect Bellafill, with its 5 year duration, to cost more than a 1 year temporary filler. The benefit is that Bellafill tends to be much more cost effective than temporary fillers. For this reason, Bellafill is the most commonly requested filler in my practice. Further, Bellafill is highly safe and very natural looking when performed by a highly skilled injector. Since it works by stimulating collagen, the long-term filling comes from your body’s own collagen.

As a BellaDiamond Master Injector, having performed over 5000 Bellafill treatments since 2013, I have found Bellafill to be superior for facial sculpting in patients looking for a natural appearing, long term solution.

Consulting with a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in minimal invasive facial rejuvenation is the first step. A detailed understanding of facial anatomy, superior technical expertise and a strong aesthetic eye are equally important considerations.

Anita Mandal, MD

Dr. Anita Mandal is a double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon practicing since 1998. She exclusively specializes in facial rejuvenation and non-invasive body contouring. In addition to being on the medical staff at Jupiter Medical Center, her offices house both surgical and laser suites. Dr. Mandal is committed to giving her patients the most natural looking results. 

Mandal Plastic Surgery Center 

2401 PGA Blvd., Suite 146 

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 

Phone: (561) 238-0040

Website: www.MandalPlasticSurgery.com 

E-mail: [email protected]