How It Works
Bellafill® is an injectable filler that’s FDA approved to treat certain types of acne scars. Bellafill® yields instant smoothness that you can appreciate as soon as you leave the office, and it’s been clinically proven to last through twelve months. Its two important components work with your skin for soft smoothness that looks and feels very natural:
- Collagen gel (80%) forms the smooth base of Bellafill, adding instant volume to depressed scars and raising them to a level that’s even with the surrounding skin.
- Polymethyl methacylate (PMMA) microspheres (20%) remain after the body absorbs the collagen gel, supporting the growth of your own natural collagen to supplant it.
Before & After – Bellafill for Acne Scars
Candidacy & Safety
Bellafill® is approved for use on men and women who are 21 and older. It works on distensible and atrophic acne scars on the cheeks. Distensible scars smooth out when you tug on them; atrophic scars are pitted or depressed in the skin.
Bellafill® is safe on all skin types, textures, and colors, but patients require an allergy test before treatment.
Both the collagen gel and PMMA in Bellafill® have established safety records. PMMA has long been used in other areas of medicine, such as orthopedic surgery, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
The Patient Experience
Bellafill® for acne is an outpatient procedure. Treatment begins by cleansing your skin and preparing it for treatment. A series of carefully placed injections then add volume to smooth away acne scars. Your treatment is relatively brief, and there is no downtime, so you may return to your normal activities as soon as you leave the treatment session.
Although significant side effects are uncommon, you may experience localized sensations, such as itching, bruising, swelling, redness, discoloration, bumps, or increased sensitivity. These effects are typically temporary and will go away on their own.
FAQs
What treatment options currently exist for acne scars?
Topical treatments, chemical peels, dermabrasion, microneedling, and laser resurfacing are among the current available treatment options for acne scars. However, some of these treatments may require significant downtime. In some cases, results can take time to emerge — and other treatments often lack rigorous, controlled data to support their safety or efficacy.
Bellafill® is the only filler that’s approved by the FDA to treat acne scars, providing an entirely new treatment choice for patients.
Is Bellafill® safe?
Yes. Bellafill® is the only FDA-approved dermal filler for the correction of moderate to severe atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheeks in patients 21 and over. Bellafill® has been proven to provide both immediate and lasting results in rigorous clinical studies, with demonstrated effectiveness, safety, and high rates of patient satisfaction.
As with many injectable fillers, you may experience bruising, itchiness, pain, swelling, redness, discoloration, lumpiness, bumps, acne, or increased sensitivity at the treatment site. These side effects usually go away by themselves within a few days.
How frequently should you have Bellafill® treatments?
In a clinical study on acne scarring, Bellafill® remained safe and effective for patients through twelve months. In a separate clinical study on smoothing out nasolabial folds (smile lines), its safety and effectiveness was established through five years. Your individual treatment plan will take these findings into account and develop a schedule that works best for you.
How much does Bellafill cost?
Price Range: $900-$5500
Testimonials
I could not be happier or more impressed with the treatment and service at Procerus Skin Care in Ann Arbor Michigan. I had deep pitted acne scarring for 20 years. I had tried everything available to get the scarring to the surface, with no improvement. Dr. Gilmore did a combination of Co2 with PRP, Thread lift, and Bellafill. I already look like a new person, and I expect to see even more improvement over the next few months. I can also speak to her artistry with Botox and Dysport. Oh! and she microneedled my neck to plump, smooth perfection. I wasted a lot of resources on very little improvement over the last 20 years. Dr. Kathleen will only perform procedures that will give you results, and I appreciate that! *
realself.com
Professional, courtesy and honest. What a refreshing staff!
Best hydra facial I’ve had in Ann Arbor. They carry Botox (actual Botox brand) unlike many med spas in the area.
Dr. Kathleen and her staff are beyond wonderful. Dr. K is the best combination of medical expertise and bedside manner. She’s incredibly knowledgeable and goes out of her way to explain, answer questions, and ensure the client understands and is comfortable and confident with their treatment(s). Her practice is of the highest quality and well worth a visit. I highly recommend her on all fronts. And her staff is extremely professional, communicative / responsive, accommodating, and friendly. You want great treatment options / service offerings, great results, and a great experience - please take my word, Procerus is the right spot.
I am over the moon happy with my results and love being part of the most up to date procedures at Procerus Skin Care!!
I love the passion and care that the entire team has for the latest and greatest options for skincare, anti-aging and aesthetics.
Jozelyn is the newest addition to their team and has zest for the practice. She has amazing techniques and insight!
Samantha the Office Manager is knowledgable, approachable, honest and HELPFUL on everything from your goals, what works for your budget and for your expectations! She's amazing and is a great resource for what you might have interest in.
Lena, Nadia and Dr.Gilmore are all superb too! I love this office!
There is no better place for top notch care and results for whatever a person is looking for!
I had a friend come with me because she was curious about dysport and Botox. Jamie took the time to answer all of her questions and answer my questions. She also talk to me about future stuff that I have been thinking about. I got dysport in two places, it was seamless and painless and it’s been less than 24 hours and I already know I’m going to love the results.
Kathleen Gilmore, MD. MBA.
Dr. Kathleen Gilmore, a Detroit native, born the eve of the Detroit Riots; who often recalls how her mother always told her that she started it! She knew from age 8 that she wanted to become a Medical Doctor. This inspiration was born out of the numerous doctor appointments and hospital stays her mother had throughout Dr. Gilmore’s childhood at referral medical facilities for a rare disorder. It was typical to see a room full of doctors, residents and medical students on these occasions. That is where she began to see the vision for her own future. She attended The University of Michigan where she completed her Medical School admission requirements while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She also participated in medical research by way of work study opportunities during her Undergraduate years. She completed Wayne State School of Medicine in 1995 where she earned her MD degree. Her great interest in science and technology led to her study and expertise in Laser Medicine and Surgery. She served as the corporate medical director and vice president of American Laser Centers, where she was honored by being named a finalist in the Best Executive – Service Businesses – up to 2,500 Employees category in the fourth annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, presented by Infiniti. She was also recognized by Lawrence Technology Institute as a Leader and Innovator. During her time at American Laser Centers, she was invited to speak numerous times nationally as well as internationally at Beauty and Cosmetic Medical Conferences and Trade Shows. She has also presented and published key findings in her field in The American Society of Laser Surgery and Medicine Journal. Dr Gilmore has trained numerous estheticians, nurses and physicians in laser applications, and injectable treatments over the past 2 decades. Dr. Gilmore has also traveled extensively for missionary work, including The Gambia, South Africa, Croatia, The Philippines and Cuba, in addition to volunteer work in Ypsilanti and Detroit.
Dr. Gilmore founded Procerus Skin Care in Ann Arbor in 2012 continuing her love in the industry of prejuvenation and positive aging which continues to expand with the growth of energy based technologies with Dr. Gilmore right there on the cutting edge. If you ask Dr. Gilmore today, she would tell you enthusiastically that she and her team are just getting started!