image courtesy of Merzpharma.co.uk The difference between Belotero and comparative dermal fillers
Belotero is a new dermal filler in the U.S. made of non-animal hyaluronic acid. It is known as “the smoother solution” and comes in three different product variations:
- Soft
- Basic
- Intense
So far the FDA in the United States has approved Belotero Basic, which is ideal for volume enhancing procedures and can be used in the lips. The clearance was granted in 2011.
What Is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar that is mostly found in the connective tissue of our bodies. It is also a natural moisturizer in our skin. As we age, hyaluronic acid supplies diminish.
Because of its ability to add volume and hydrate the skin, lab derived versions of this compound are used as dermal fillers. These include Juvederm and Restlylane which can be used to fill wrinkles and help replenish volume loss in the face.
How Is Belotero Different From Juvederm and Restylane?
Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane are all different forms of hyaluronic acid that differ in how the molecules are cross linked. This affects their individual properties and how the dermal filler will behave within the skin.
Belotero is thinner and more lightweight compared to other HA fillers. It is created using a unique proprietary technology called Cohesive Polydensified Matrix. This requires the use of a process that gives the final injection solution a very high degree of elasticity. So once it is injected, it distributes much more evenly and seamlessly between treated and untreated areas. Other hyaluronic acid fillers can raise the dermal layer and clump under the skin.
Additionally, Belotero can be injected more superficially (i.e. closer to the skin’s surface) compared to other HA fillers. Deeper injections of other forms of hyaluronic acid require a higher quantity of product and entail some risk of bumps and lines appearing on the skin.
Prior to the availability of Boletero, superficial injections of hyaluronic acid fillers would result in a bluish hue on the skin. This is called the Tyndall effect, a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a clear substance.
What Is The Difference Between Belotero Soft, Basic and Intense?
The three different types of Belotero differ according to:
1) Concentration of hyaluronic acid
2) Width of the needle used for injection.
Belotero Soft
- For superficial lines in fine skin areas like crows feet and upper chest area
- HA concentration= 20mg/ml
- 30G Needle
Belotero Basic (approved in the US)
- For shallow lines (e.g. around the mouth)
- Can also be used for the lips in the vermillion border
- HA concentration 25 mg/ml
- 27 G Needle
Belotero Intense
- For deep lines (e.g. nasolabial foldes)
- Can be used to enhance lip volume
- HA concentration 25.5mg/ml
- 27 G Needle
What Types Of Wrinkles Can Be Treated With Belotero?
Belotero can effectively treat many types of wrinkles such as:
1) Forehead lines
2) Crows feet
3) Horizontal neck creases
4) Undereye wrinkles and depressions
5) Smile and laugh lines
The unique characteristics of Belotero enable it to address fine lines. Because it is quite thin and light, it can be injected superficially without the risk of lumpiness appearing on the skin’s surface. Often, patients would still see lines etched on their skin after Botox. Some doctors would inject excessive amounts of Botox, leaving the patient’s face looking frozen and stiff.
With the help of Belotero, physicians can use Botox in moderate amounts to relax facial muscles, allowing patients to retain their natural facial mobility and expressions. Belotero can then treat any fine lines remaining after the procedure.
Because Belotero does not elicit the Tyndall effect, it can be used for under eye depressions and wrinkles.
Also prior to the advent of Belotero, cosmetic solutions for horizontal neck creases were very limited. However, Belotero can be injected to provide substantial improvement for this issue, depending on how deep the creases are.
How Much Do Belotero Procedures Cost?
Belotero procedures cost about $500 per syringe. This price range is comparable to other fillers currently available.
What Are the Side Effects of Belotero Injections?
Belotero injections can incur typical side effects associated with dermal fillers:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Tenderness
These side effects usually go away within a week.
The risk of lumps forming is very minimal, although the chances of this occurring may not exactly be zero. No known cases have been reported yet.
If Boletero molecules should break within the skin, the byproducts will be water and carbon dioxide as opposed to any type of toxic compound.
How Long Is the Recovery Time For Belotero?
There is really no downtime after a Belotero procedure. So patients can return to work right away.
How Long Does Belotero Last?
Belotero usually lasts between 6-12 months
Belotero Patient Videos
To view actual results of Belotero on real life patients, watch these videos.