Finally… A filler for fine lines!

Injectable fillers have been one of the most performed cosmetic treatments of the last decade, and despite so many wonderful options for filling deeper folds, restoring volume and contouring the face, we’ve been missing a very important piece of the puzzle. Until now, there hasn’t been an ideal option for superficial wrinkles such as crow’s feet and vertical “smoker’s” lines around the mouth, but that all changed with the recent FDA approval of Belotero

Similar to Restylane and Juvéderm, Belotero is comprised of hyaluronic acid, which plumps up wrinkles by binding to the water that’s already present in your skin. But one of the biggest advantages of Belotero is that it is not visible through the skin when placed superficially, which can be an issue with Restylane and Juvéderm. Called the “tindle effect,” the potential for this blueish discoloration can prevent dermatologists from using Restylane and Juvéderm for fine lines.

Belotero is made using a complex crosslinking process that helps it integrate well with the surrounding collagen, in turn preventing the tindle effect. This allows it to be used in the tiny lines around the mouth, eyes and other places undetectably. Another advantage is that Belotero can treat the lines just above the eyebrows that Botox and Dysport can’t treat without lowering the brows.

The cost is about $700 per syringe and one syringe goes a long way to rejuvenate the skin. Similar to other hyaluronic acid fillers, Belotero lasts for about six to nine months, and many patients see increased longevity with subsequent treatments. Just as with other injectables, do not take ibuprofen, aspirin or omega-3 fatty acids for 10 days before your appointment to lessen the risk of bruising.

Dermatologists are thrilled to finally have a product that treats these lines, but be sure to go to someone with plenty of experience, because Belotero requires an injection technique that’s different from the one used with Restylane and Juvéderm.

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