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 much does Belotero cost?
Yuliya will speak with you about pricing, please keep in mind that the final cost depends on several factors, including:
- the Belotero product used
- the amount of product needed
- the number of treatment sessions
- the skill and experience of the specialist
- the geographical location
Belotero is considered a cosmetic procedure, so most insurance companies won’t cover it.
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, Yuliya will take your medical history. Make sure you tell her 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 Yuliya about applying a topical numbing agent before the procedure.
Before giving you an injection, Yuliya might use a marker to map out the areas being treated.
Next, she will clean the with area with an antiseptic solution.
Once the area is clean, Yuliya will inject Belotero using a fine-gauge needle syringe. She might gently massage the area after the injection to help spread out the filler for a more natural look.
The number of syringes Yuliya 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
Are there any risks or side effects?
While Belotero is generally safe, it can cause a few temporary side effects. These tend to go away on their own in about seven days.
Common side effects of Belotero include:
- swelling
- redness
- bruising
- tenderness
Less common side effects include:
- discoloration
- hardening of the skin
- lumps and bumps
- numbness
- dry lips
In rare cases, a Belotero injection can cause more serious side effects, including:
- permanent scarring
- stroke
- blindness
However, these more serious side effects are usually the result of poor technique or an untrained provider. You can avoid these risks by making sure you choose a licensed provider who has plenty of experience injecting dermal fillers.
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
How do I prepare for a Belotero injection
You don’t need to do much to prepare for a Belotero injection. Make sure you tell your doctor during your initial consultation visit about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take. You might need to avoid taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a few days before the procedure.
If you would like to reduce the look of etched-in lines and wrinkles with Belotero Balance®, please call the scheduling team at Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center at (843) 669-2220 to book your Free consultation with Yuliya. Be sure to mention any medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies you have.
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