When it comes to dermal fillers, there are plenty of options to suit every need and goal. Two of the most popular fillers at Dr. Douglas Stevens’ practice are Juvederm and Bellafill. Both products are safe and have a great track record of success. Though they have certain commonalities, they are quite different in terms of intended use, formulation and longevity. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the similarities and differences between these two fillers.

Uses for Bellafill and Juvederm

Bellafill and Juvederm are both suitable for filling in deep wrinkles and creases (as opposed to smaller wrinkles and fine lines). Bellafill is also FDA approved for the correction of acne scarring.

Ingredients of Bellafill and Juvederm

Juvederm’s primary ingredient is hyaluronic acid. When injected, this naturally occurring sugar draws water to the treated area for a filling and plumping effect.

Bellafill’s primary ingredient is bovine collagen with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. The collagen provides instant volume and lift and the PPMA microspheres provide long-term structural support to the skin.

Bellafill also contains local anesthetic for improved patient comfort during treatment.

Treatment

Bellafill and Juvederm are both administered during an in-office treatment. There is no downtime and any aftereffects (e.g., bruising, swelling) are temporary.

Since Bellafill contains bovine collagen, skin testing may be needed prior to treatment to check for any allergic reactions.

Juvederm injections can be reversed with the injection of a special enzyme; Bellafill cannot.

Longevity

Juvederm lasts for approximately six to 12 months before the product is naturally absorbed by the body. On the other hand, Bellafill is considered semi-permanent since the body does not break down the microspheres, which promote your own collagen regeneration. At the end of one year, the results from Bellafill are due to your own collagen (80 percent) as well as the microspheres (20 percent). Most patients see noticeable results for two years or more.

Cost

The cost of Bellafill and Juvederm depends on the provider and amount of product needed to achieve the desired results. Over time, Juvederm is more expensive because it needs to be repeated more often than Bellafill.

Final Thoughts

Juvederm is an effective product that has been safely used for many years. But if you are looking for a long-lasting solution to deeper wrinkles or acne scars, Bellafill is likely the better option.

The success of your Bellafill treatment depends on the experience and skill of your injector. Dr. Stevens is considered to be in the top 1 percent of Bellafill injectors nationwide.

To discuss Bellafill, Juvederm and other fillers with our team and find the right treatment solution for your needs, please contact our Fort Myers office today.