What is Belotero®?
Belotero® is an injectable dermal filler with a hyaluronic acid base. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your skin. It binds with water, which helps to plump up your skin and make it appear smoother. Over time, your body absorbs the hyaluronic acid in Belotero®.
Belotero® was originally approved by the FDA in 2011 to fill in moderate to severe nasolabial folds, also called laugh lines. However, the company has since expanded its line of products to include fillers of different consistencies for treating different types of lines.
For example, Belotero® Soft is used for very fine lines, while Belotero® Volume is used to restore volume and plump up the cheeks, nose, and lips.
Belotero® is safe for most people. However, its safety for people under the age of 18 or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown. You should also avoid Belotero® if you have a history of severe or multiple allergies, especially to Gram-positive proteins.
How does Belotero® work?
Belotero® has a soft, gel-like consistency. The hyaluronic acid in the product binds with the water in your skin to subtly fill in lines and wrinkles.
Some Belotero® products have more volume, which makes them effective for enlarging your lips, cheeks, or chin.
How is it done?
Before the procedure, your doctor will take your medical history. Make sure you tell them about any allergies you have or medications you take before the procedure.
Most Belotero® products contain lidocaine. This is a type of local anesthesia that helps to minimize pain from the injection. If you’re concerned about pain, you can also ask your doctor about applying a topical numbing agent before the procedure.
Before giving you an injection, your doctor might use a marker to map out the areas being treated. Next, they’ll clean with area with an antiseptic solution.
Once the area is clean, your doctor will inject Belotero® using a fine-gauge needle syringe. They might gently massage the area after the injection to help spread out the filler for a more natural look.
The number of syringes your doctor will use depends on how many areas you’re treating. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what you’re having done. In addition, some people require a touch-up after the initial treatment to achieve their desired look.
What areas does Belotero® target?
Belotero® is approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds. However, it’s also used on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and lips.
Belotero® is used to:
- fill in lines around your eyes, nose, and mouth
- correct under-eye bags
- fill forehead wrinkles
- contour your cheeks and jawline
- plump your lips
- treat some types of acne scars
- correct small nose bumps
What can I expect after the procedure?
You should notice the effects of Belotero® immediately after treatment. Following the procedure, you can return to your usual activities right away.
However, it’s best to avoid the following for 24 hours after your appointment:
- strenuous activity
- excessive heat or sun exposure
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
- alcoholic beverages
You might also have some pain and swelling near the injection site during the next 24 hours. Applying a cold pack to the area can provide relief.
Your results should last for about 6 to 18 months, depending on the Belotero® product used:
- Belotero® Basic/Belotero® Balance: lasts up to 6 months when used for subtle to moderate lines or lip enhancement
- Belotero® Soft: lasts up to 12 months for fine lines or lip enhancement
- Belotero® Intense: lasts up to 12 months when used for deep lines or lip enhancement
- Belotero® Volume: lasts up to 18 months when used to add volume to cheeks or temples