As you age, fine lines are a given. Unfortunately, you can’t evade them, no matter how many facials you get per year or number of daily skincare products you use. When you grow older, skin cells divide more slowly and the middle layer of skin begins to thin, according to the nonprofit medical center and research institution Cleveland Clinic. Skin loses collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid—major components that keep your skin youthful. Structural volume in the face also decreases with time.
Fortunately, researchers have formulated temporary cures to smooth and contour your skin, creating an overall youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are a popular way to combat the aging process. One such injectable, Belotero Balance, is the perfect option to treat stubborn fine lines.
What Is Belotero Balance?
Unlike other fillers, which are designed to rebuild facial volume and structure, the Belotero Balance injectable is a more targeted option, temporarily filling in and smoothing out fine lines. As a hyaluronic acid filler, Belotero Balance has rheological properties designed for optimal injection, distribution, and tissue integration. This specific filler has the ability to integrate with skin tissue, leaving a seamless and natural appearance with minimal tissue disruption. Belotero Balance is the perfect finishing filler to treat under eyes and fine lines around the face.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You are a good candidate for Belotero if you experience fine lines or under eye volume loss in any of the targeted areas. You should also be in good overall physical health, a non-smoker, and have realistic goals and expectations. Belotero is not for patients with a history of severe allergies, especially to gram-positive bacterial proteins.
How Does Belotero Work?
Created through the cohesive polydensified matrix process, Belotero Balance is one of the only fillers that integrates with your skin’s tissue, feels natural to the touch, and allows for normal movement and facial expressions. Belotero Balance fills small gaps beneath the skin’s surface to smooth the aforementioned lines.
How Do I Prepare?
Schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss the treatment plan and ask any questions. Your physician will provide answers and preparation instructions. To prepare, avoid smoking, using topical products or supplements, waxing, bleaching, or tweezing the treatment area.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
A Belotero Balance treatment is simple. Used as a finishing touch filler, the surgeon will inject small doses of Belotero into the area using a small needle or cannula until achieving the desired look. Then, the physician will gently massage the area to ensure even distribution. Finally, your provider will give you a recovery plan, which details products to use or avoid to assist in the healing process.
Dr. Anthony Buglino utilizes a blunt cannula technique to inject Belotero under the eyes. Blunt cannulas are better treatment options as they avoid common complications—including increased risk of bruising or bleeding, longer post-operative care, or post-op trauma—associated with using needles. Blunt cannulas can also offer greater precision around the sensitive and small under eye area.
What Is the Recovery Time?
Belotero requires little to no downtime. Patients typically return to their normal routine within minutes of treatment. Although recovery is quick, you should avoid strenuous activity, excessive sun exposure, touching or pressing the treated area, applying makeup to the treated area, and alcohol for approximately 24 hours. It’s common to experience pain or swelling near the injection site for several hours. Physicians suggest applying a cold pack to the area for relief.
When Should I See Results?
Patients should see a noticeable difference in their appearance after a single treatment. Although individual results vary, Belotero Balance can last up to six months. Their longevity depends on the amount of product used and area injected. “In areas that experience a lot of movement due to eating, talking, and smiling, the product may not last as long as other less active areas,” according to the brand’s official website.