Permanently smooth out acne scars with Bellafill®, the first and only FDA-approved permanent filler for acne scars*. Results are immediate and only 1-2 treatments are usually required. Because of her vast experience with cosmetic injectables, Dr. Klein has been selected to be one of the first physicians in the world to be a Bellafill Trainer.
Schedule Your “Bellafill ” Today, Call the Dermatology and Laser Center of Dr. Lorrie Klein, M.D.
A Nationally Recognized Leader
Dr. Lorrie Klein’s rare combination of technical expertise and aesthetic sensibility puts her at the forefront of dermatologists nationwide. Dr. Klein’s reputation for providing natural-looking results is why she’s the choice of women and men from throughout Southern California and beyond.
What is Bellafill?
Bellafill, previously called Artefill, contains tiny PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate) microspheres in a purified bovine collagen gel with an anesthetic for comfort during injection. The collagen acts as a carrier for the PMMA and dissolves over several months, leaving the microspheres in your skin. These microspheres provide the permanent support your skin needs for enduring scar correction. PMMA is one of the most widely used synthetic implant materials in medicine.
What can Bellafill be used for?
Bellafill is an ideal filler for rolling acne scars. Rolling scars have soft edges, distend or stretch easily, are broader than they are deep and have a saucer-like shape. Unfortunately it does not work on pitted scars, immobile scars, raised scars and most surgical scars. It is also approved for treatment of smile lines, marionette lines and lower facial wrinkles. It lasts 5 years or longer but additional treatments may be needed as lines or scars deepen with age. During your skin test visit or sometime before your treatment, we must look at you to confirm you are a good candidate for this treatment.
What is the treatment process like?
Treatments typically last 20-30 minutes and have minimal or no discomfort. Scars and undermined first then injected. For acne scars, 1-2 visits are usually needed, 4-6 weeks apart to define-tune your results. For wrinkles, 2-3 visits are usually needed, with additional treatments as you age to correct further deepening of your wrinkles.
How do I prepare for my treatment?
- You must be skin tested 4 weeks or longer before your treatment to screen for allergy to bovine collagen.
- We recommend waiting at least 6-9 months if you have had a temporary filler placed in the same area.
- Make sure to wash your face thoroughly before your treatment, including removing lipstick and face creams.
- To reduce discomfort we use a cold spray to numb your skin and occasionally other anesthetics may be used.
- To reduce the risk of bruising, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, vitamin E, fish oil and similar medications for 1-2 weeks before your treatment. We recommend you take Arnica Montana, a natural oral medication (a high-potency version of this is available in our office) the day of your treatment and continue for several days after your treatment. This medication helps reduce bruising and swelling.
What can I expect after my treatment?
After injection, some common, temporary, injection-related reactions might occur: tenderness, redness, itching, bruising, bumps, pain or swelling. If any of these occur, they typically resolve within a few days. We recommend planning treatments at least one week before any special events. Some minor swelling can sometimes persist up to several weeks after your treatment, this type of swelling only enhances your results by filling in the wrinkles a little more than the product does. When the swelling completely disappears you may think the product is going away but it is only the swelling that has disappeared. If you preferred how you looked with a little swelling, we can add more filler at a subsequent appointment. Rare potential side effects of all dermal fillers may be lumps, abscesses, granulomas and ulceration.
What do I need to do after my treatment?
We advise you not to squeeze or massage the areas for 24 hours. Apply cold packs for 5-10 minutes on and off until bedtime on the 1st day and taking Arnica Montana for 1-2 days after your treatment to reduce swelling and bruising.
*Studies indicate Bellafill lasts at least 5 years and is probably permanent. If you do not desire a permanent implant, Juvederm or Restylane may be preferable. Bellafill is not recommended for certain people.
