Belotero is a finer, hyaluronic acid – based gel designed to add a natural plumping effect to facial tissue. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that adds volume and hydration. With age, our collagen production diminishes and along with it the hylauronic acid in the skin. Belotero is often used to treat smile lines (nasolabial folds and marionette lines), hollowing around the eye, thin lips, and fine wrinkles like smoker’s lines around the peri-oral area. There is little to no recovery time, and the results are immediate. The product may last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
A topical anesthetic may be used to reduce pain associated with this treatment. Patients are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time to apply the numbing cream. A mild anesthetic may also be combines with the product to immediately reduce discomfort during the treatment. The discomfort after the procedure is minimal, and Tylenol may be taken for any post-procedural discomfort.
In addition to discomfort, patients may experience minor swelling from the treatment. On average this resolves within 24 hours. However, it may last as long as 72 hours. We recommend applying ice intermittently after the treatment to reduce swelling. Patients may resume normal activities after receiving treatment, and may apply makeup to conceal any bruising or redness.