Bellafill | The Gillian Institute

Bellafill is a semi-permanent dermal filler that smoothes and fills for up to five years. This injectable cosmetic is the longest-lasting on the market and is FDA-approved for filling in the wrinkles that are notoriously hard to treat: nasolabial folds (also called smile lines). It’s also an effective way to diminish the appearance of acne scars! Bellafill is unlike any other filler available today due to its unique formulation.

What sets Bellafill apart from other dermal fillers, which are typically hyaluronic acid-based, is that it contains polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres, which are suspended in a smooth, naturally occurring collagen gel.⁽¹⁾ These biocompatible ingredients form a scaffolding that stimulates the body’s own production of natural collagen. After Bellafill is injected under the skin, new, healthy collagen forms in the treatment area for results that continue to improve over time. And as anyone interested in facial rejuvenation knows, collagen is key! Most of the common signs of aging are the result of the gradual decrease in collagen levels that occurs as the years pass. The resulting loss of skin elasticity allows creases to settle in. But with Bellafill, there’s no need to settle!

Dr. Kimberly Short and the staff of The Gillian Institute are dedicated to helping patients to achieve the most refreshed, beautiful, and ageless version of themselves. Bellafill offers patients a viable, non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation. If you are interested in learning how Bellafill can help you achieve smoother, more rejuvenated complexion, contact us today for a personal consultation. The Gillian Institute treats patients from Indianapolis, Noblesville, and all over Indiana as well as out of state, and patients frequently visit from other cities such as Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, and more. You can reach our Northside Indianapolis office by calling (317) 913-3260, or our downtown Indianapolis offices, at (317) 787-3260. You can also reach out to us via our online contact form.

Restoring Volume

As we age, our appearance changes due the gradual slowing of many of our body’s regenerative abilities, known as intrinsic aging. At the same time, exposure to sun, pollution, and lifestyle decisions can further hasten the onset of the signs of aging through a process known as extrinsic aging.⁽¹⁾ The combination of these factors results in a natural loss of collagen, the atrophy of subcutaneous fat, and ultimately the volume loss that can make us look significantly older than we feel. Dermal fillers are a popular and effective way to restore a youthful plumpness to cheeks and lips, and to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Injections can be placed as needed, treatments tailored to a patient’s individual needs, and injections sessions are fast and relatively painless. However, because most dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid-based, they are eventually reabsorbed. Patients must then undergo regular “touch-up” injection sessions in order to maintain their results. But not with Bellafill!

What Makes Bellafill Different?

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS

Bellafill contains microspheres of polymethyl methacrylate: PMMA. PMMA is a biocompatible synthetic material that has been successfully used in medicine procedures for many years. These tiny beads are large enough so that the body is unable to absorb them, but invisible to the naked eye. They are evenly dispersed in a smooth collagen gel. Patients get an immediate volumizing effect from the gel, and over time, the PMMA microspheres have a biostimulatory effect. As the body absorbs the collagen gel, it reacts to the presence of the microspheres by producing new, healthy collagen to surround them. Within a few months, the body has taken advantage of this scaffolding, and the result is firmer, smoother skin in the treated area.⁽²⁾

STRONG AND SOFT

Another advantage of Bellafill is the specially formulated viscosity and elasticity of the gel, which are much higher than other fillers. Its high viscosity, or thickness, allows Bellafill to resist pressure, and stay in the injection site without the risk of spreading. That keeps your results where they’re needed! At the same time, Bellafill’s high level of elasticity means that it’s flexible, but strong enough to keep its shape, so less filler can be used to provide more lift to tissue.⁽²⁾

DESIGNED FOR YOUR COMFORT

As an additional bonus, Bellafill contains a small amount of lidocaine, so injections are more comfortable!

Benefits Of Bellafill

Bellafill has the optimal consistency for filling in the deep creases that stretch from the sides of our nostrils to the corners of the mouth – something other fillers just aren’t strong enough to tackle. It’s an effective long term solution with other considerable benefits, including:

Safety: Bellafill is FDA-approved for improving the appearance of nasolabial folds and acne scars. Bellafill’s ingredients have long been used for other medical procedures and carry a high-safety profile.⁽²⁾

Collagenesis: With the help of Bellafill’s PMMA microspheres, your body will begin to naturally produce its own supply of new, healthy collagen.

Long-lasting results: Bellafill lasts up to five years, which is 2.5 times as long as semi-permanent dermal fillers. When used to treat severe acne scars, results last up to one year.

Fast results: The procedure takes under an hour with visible improvement immediately.

Same-day recovery: Bruising and swelling are minimal. You can return back to work or to your day’s activities without worry.

Candidates / Personal Consultation

Bellafill is for patients 21 years and older who want to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds or acne scars. The collagen gel that contains the PMMA microspheres is derived from processed collagen from cows (like gelatin). So, if you are allergic to bovine collagen, or opposed to cosmetics with animal products, we’ll be happy to recommend a safe and animal-friendly alternative. Bellafill also contains small amounts of lidocaine, which some people are also allergic to. Candidates for Bellafill should also not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

During your personal consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about this unique injectable and get an honest, expert opinion as to whether Bellafill can address your concerns. Unlike other dermal fillers, Bellafill injections are not easily reversed, and because it has such long lasting effects, it’s critical to choose an experienced plastic surgeon to perform the injections. Dr. Short is committed to giving each of her patients individualized attention and tailored results. Patients considering Bellafill at the Gillian Institute can be assured that they are in the very best of hands. Bellafill is only FDA-approved for nasolabial folds and atrophic acne scars. So, if you’re looking for a boost of volume in other areas like the lips, cheeks, or a way to treat forehead wrinkles, she’ll be happy to recommend another treatment that will meet your needs! To learn more about the various procedures we offer, visit our blog.

Preparation

Prior to treatment, we will require a complete medical history including allergies and medical conditions. Prior to a Bellafill treatment, a skin test is performed to ensure that you are not allergic to the ingredients in Bellafill. To ensure your safety, we will inject a small amount of the collagen gel into your arm to make sure that you do not have a reaction. Since some reactions may take time to develop, we’ll need to wait the required four weeks to make sure that you’re a good candidate for treatment with Bellafill.

Procedure

Once we’ve determined that you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients in Bellafill, your treatment session will be fast! The Bellafill procedure will take between 15 and 60 minutes. Injections will be placed either along the nasolabial creases, or directly in the recessed portion of the acne scar.

Recovery

Bellafill is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. As a result, patients have little to no recovery time, with any swelling or bruising resolving in about 2 weeks after treatment. Most patients can return to their daily schedule immediately after treatment.

Results

Most patients notice a visible improvement immediately after treatment. However, final results will become visible within six months of treatment, after which they can be enjoyed for up to five years! The duration of results will vary slightly from patient to patient, based on each patient’s rate of collagen production, metabolism, age, and skin condition prior to the procedure.

Cost of Bellafill Injections in Indianapolis

The cost of Bellafill injections will depend on the patients’ individual needs, and the locations being treated. You’ll be given an accurate estimate for the cost of your Bellafill injection session following your personal consultation. To learn more about Bellafill and if it may be a good fit for your anti-aging regimen, schedule a consultation today. You can reach our Northside office by calling (317) 913-3260, or our Downtown Indy offices, at (317) 787-3260.

CAN BELLAFILL BE USED ON LIPS?

No, Bellafill is not FDA-approved for use on lips. Bellafill is only FDA-approved to treat nasolabial folds and atrophic acne scars.

References

Lupu, M.A., Gradisteanu, P. G., Chifiriuc, M.C., Albulescu, R., & Tanase, C. Beneficial effects of food supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen for skin care (Review). 2020. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 20 (1): 12-17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271718/
Solomon, P., Ng, C.L., Kerzner, J., Rival, R. Facial Soft Tissue Augmentation With Bellafill: A Review of 4 Years of Clinical Experience in 212 Patients. (2021). Plastic Surgery. 29 (2): 98-102. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8120553/