Belotero

How does Belotero work?

Belotero Balance is a hyaluronic acid (HA) based dermal filler that is injected under the skin to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles or add volume to areas such as under-eye hollows or lips. HA has a gel-like consistency that is able to fill in these areas.

What are the types of Belotero?

There are four main types of Belotero according to the maker Merz:

• Belotero Basic/Balance: Integrates seamlessly to aid in the correction of mild to moderate lines and wrinkles
• Belotero Soft: With greater “cohesivity” this product smooths and corrects fine lines
• Belotero Intense: This product has a balanced elasticity that allows it to be used for the treatment of deep lines and lip augmentations
• Belotero Volume: With malleability and volumizing power, this product is able to restore volume to facial features

But as mentioned, only Belotero Balance is FDA approved for use in the U.S. Lidocaine (a numbing medication) has recently been added to Belotero Balance and there is talk that the rest of the line can be carried over if all goes well with this new addition.

What is Belotero used for?

Belotero has many uses both on-label and “off-label” including treatments to:

• Diminish under-eye hollows
• Reduce nasolabial folds
• Add volume to the lips
• Reduce acne scarring

Where can Belotero be injected?

Belotero has been FDA approved for use on the nasolabial folds since 2011 but can also be used “off-label” for many other areas.

How much does Belotero cost?

Belotero injections can cost $600-$1200 depending on the area being treated and who is performing the procedure. Remember that you’ll need to have more injections of Belotero in the future to maintain the results of your procedure.

How should I prepare for Belotero?

Most injectors will have their own pre-care instructions prior to performing a procedure, but generally, you can expect to:

• Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil for a week prior to the procedure (unless these are prescribed for a health condition)
• Avoid topical anti-aging creams like Retinols within 24 hours of your appointment
• Refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours prior to your procedure
• Show up to the procedure with a makeup-free face

What is a Belotero treatment like?

Belotero injections are a relatively quick outpatient procedure that should take less than an hour. Once you arrive the injector will walk you through the procedure and may mark out where they want to place the injections. After giving you time to ask any questions, the injector will begin the procedure. The injections themselves may only take 15-20 minutes and may contain lidocaine to reduce the discomfort. After the injections have been completed, the injector will explain aftercare for you and you’ll be on your way. The treatment has minimal downtime and you’ll be able to resume light activity immediately.

What is Belotero aftercare?

Each injector will have their own specific aftercare instructions but generally speaking, you’ll want to consider:

• Icing the area for 24 hours after your treatment
• Taking arnica to reduce swelling and redness
• Avoiding touching the area treated
• Not consuming alcohol for 24-48 hours after your treatment
• Avoiding heat until the swelling and redness have subsided
• Using sunscreen after your treatment

How long does it take for Belotero to work?

After your appointment, you may begin to notice the results of the Belotero injections immediately. As the swelling subsides you will see the final results of your injections within 2-3 weeks after your treatment.

How long does Belotero last?

Depending on where it is injected, Belotero can last between 6-12 months. In higher movement places, like the area around the mouth, Belotero has a shorter life. To maintain your results you can receive follow-up injections more regularly.

What are the side effects of Belotero?

When injected by an experienced professional, Belotero is a safe treatment. Minor side effects that may be felt include:

• Redness at the injection site
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness

Severe side effects like vascular occlusion are possible with any dermal filler treatment and all risks should be discussed with your injecting provider.

Is Belotero better than Juvederm or Restylane?

Neither is better or worse, just different. For instance, most Juvederm products tends to last a bit longer because they are cross-linked (more below) but with this comes an increased risk for long-term reactions or adverse events.

Cross-linked means that the HA molecules are linked with other chemicals and products so that they don’t break down as fast. If this wasn’t the case, the body would break them down within a few weeks.

Does Belotero stimulate collagen?

We didn’t previously know that HA fillers stimulate collagen but some newer studies are saying they do. That is at least in the case of Restylane, but the concept is the same for most of these fillers.

Are payment plans available for Belotero treatments?

Unfortunately with the COVID19 pandemic many of the financing companies stopped offering this option. However, we do offer discounted rates with our packaged options as well as when multiple procedures are booked together. Schedule a free consult below to chat with a provider about what would work best for you.