What is Belotero?
Belotero is made from a synthetic hyaluronic acid. It supplements the body’s own hyaluronic acid and this product is used an injectable wrinkle filler. That is since it gives an improved structure and volume, but in a more natural looking manner and the filler is comfortable to the touch. The reason why this filler is comfortable to the touch is since it is made using the unique cohesive polydensified matrix process. This process means that the gel is smooth, flexible, and able to blend naturally with the skin. This product is therefore known as being one of the best injectable fillers at creating a better, but natural appearance.
More so, Belotero compares well with other fillers that also contain hyaluronic acid. The main benefit is that the mixture used in Belotero is unique. While some fillers create a puffy or lumpy look, Belotero helps to avoid this. In addition, some fillers create a bluish tinge because of the Tyndall effect in areas with thin skin, Belotero doesn’t.
Which areas can benefit from Belotero injections?
It is used for moderate to severe wrinkles and lines on the face. Therefore, Belotero is intended for treatment areas such as forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and smile or laugh lines. But also for the lines on the bridge of the nose, cheekbone depressions, for smokers’ lines, to redefine the lip border, for wrinkles on the back of your hands, and to treat acne scars.
What procedure is followed?
You will meet with your doctor for a consultation where your medical history and your expectations for this treatment will be discussed. During the consult, your doctor can even discuss alternative treatments. That is if Belotero might not be effective for the results you are looking for. As such your doctor might suggest a brow lift or a face lift.
If this treatment is a good fit for your needs then a treatment plan will be deliberated. Also during the consult, you should indicate to your doctor what your level of pain threshold might be, as they can then suggest some pain relieve options, such as a numbing cream or a local anesthesia. But be warned there will be some level of pain when undergoing this procedure. Albeit that only a fine gauge needle is used during these injections.
This treatment plan will include a 15 minute procedure in the doctors’ rooms. Once the doctor is done with the injections, and you feel comfortable enough to leave, then you can. But you will need to return for a follow-up consultation in 1 – 2 weeks post the procedure to see if all is fine, and how you have reacted to the treatment. Meanwhile you will need to plan 3 – 5 days off as recovering time.
You will see the results immediately, and they typically last 6 to 12 months. Over time, the injected gel is broken down by the body, and the wrinkles will reappear.
What are the risks?
There is no long downtime associated with Belotero treatments. Immediate visible side effects are minimal and may include temporary redness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which can easily be concealed with makeup. In rare cases, small bumps may appear under the skin at the injection site. If they don’t dissipate within a week, check back in with your doctor.
It might be that the solution is been rejected by your body. Although rare, this can happen. In such a case, the doctor will inject a solution of hyaluronidase. This will dissolve the product.
What you should also know
This treatment will last for up to 6 months. Regular treatments will be needed to maintain the results. If you want to have longer lasting results then do discuss alternatives with your doctor. Also make sure that you are using the best doctor in your area. This will limit the amount of risk this procedure might have.
Furthermore, another tip would be that during the recovering time the redness and swelling will start to reduce. However, you will have to restrain yourself from exercise and touching your face for at least the first 24 hours after receiving the injections.
And lastly, Belotero was only approved for use in 2011 by the FDA, as result there are few patient reviews to comment upon. Although it is seen as safe, since hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It might not be the right product for you. Do consult with your doctor about the risks and your needs.
