When it comes to soft tissue fillers, there are so many options that it can actually be overwhelming to pick one for your needs! Fillers have become popular in the last few years because they’re effective, convenient, inexpensive, and extremely versatile. Because of their popularity, new formulas are hitting the market all the time. This means that there’s bound to be a filler that’s perfect for your needs—you just need to find it.
Belotero may not have the kind of name recognition that Restylane or Juvederm have, but it’s quickly becoming a favorite among some patients. As one of the many popular hyaluronic acid (HA) based fillers, many patients wonder what makes Belotero different from other HA fillers. Let’s take a look at what sets Belotero apart so you can see if it’s the right choice for you over other fillers.
The Magic of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
HA fillers have quickly become one of the most common treatments at plastic surgeons’ offices all over the United States. Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in the human body, and it adds volume and hydration to the skin. This makes it perfect for filling in lines and wrinkles caused by volume loss in the face, subtly lifting and filling areas of the face, and augmenting the lips. HA fillers are generally a gel substance with different sizes of HA molecules, which results in slightly different results and effects from each formula.
The Belotero Difference – a Subtle, Natural Look
Although all HA fillers are known to produce a very natural appearance, many people believe that Belotero offers the most natural look of all. Gel consistency affects the way the product is distributed during the injection process, and how the final results look. The Belotero formula is a softer gel consistency than many other products on the market, and adapts well to the facial contours for a more natural, subtle appearance. Many surgeons use Belotero to treat superficial lines and deeper folds that are closer to the surface of the skin.
Avoiding the Tyndall Effect
Fillers have a great track record of safety and excellent results. However, there are a few side effects that can occur, most of which are temporary and not serious. One such side effect is the Tyndall Effect, which refers to a bluish color occurring under the skin when an inexperienced injector performs treatment. This is most common when treating lines close to the surface of the skin. Because Belotero works well for treating these superficial lines, the product can help surgeons avoid the Tyndall Effect, giving patients the great results they want without cosmetic side effects. Belotero is also less likely to result in lumps and bumps, although an experienced provider is generally able to avoid these issues with any type of HA filler.
Long-Lasting Results
Although fillers last varying amounts of time depending on the patient and their lifestyle habits, Belotero is sometimes thought to last longer than other HA fillers. While many standard HA fillers typically last between 3-6 months on average, Belotero can last up to 12 months. This means fewer trips to the office and lower costs for patients. However, most HA fillers are long-lasting, and this should not be the major factor in making a decision about which filler is right for your needs.
Who Should Get Belotero?
With these differences in mind, who should get Belotero? Patients who may be good candidates are those who:
- Want more subtle, natural results
- Have superficial wrinkles
- Are concerned about side effects
- Want long-lasting rejuvenation
People who want more dramatic results, or those who need deeper lines filled may want to consider other HA filler options. Lip augmentation is best performed using a filler made specifically for that purpose. The lips are a high-movement area that do best with a formula like Restylane Silk or Juvederm Volbella.
Belotero treatments are administered in the same way as any other filler—through a fine needle. This process takes just a few minutes, and patients can return to their normal activities almost immediately after the procedure.
Is Belotero Right for You?
Not sure whether Belotero is the right HA filler for your needs? That’s perfectly normal. Most patients don’t know the ins and outs of each option. Dr. Edward Buckingham will be happy to help you pick the filler that is best for your specific needs. During your consultation at Buckingham Center, Dr. Buckingham will perform an examination and discuss your rejuvenation goals. He will make recommendations based on your specific needs and will guide you through the process of choosing the right filler.
Dr. Edward Buckingham is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon at Buckingham Center in Austin, TX. He is an expert in minimally-invasive procedures, and offers a wide range of HA fillers, including Belotero Balance. For more information, call 512.401.2500 today to schedule your consultation.
