PMMA and Juvederm are some of the most popular dermal fillers; they’re used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and folds, two common effects of aging. These can include the lines that run across the forehead, crow’s feet on the edge of the eyes and smile lines. These effects contribute to one’s aging appearance, hence why facial filler procedures are so popular.

In this post, we’ll be talking about the two most popular facial fillers that cosmetic surgeons use and compare them to help you decide which to use.

What is PMMA (Bellafill)?

Bellafill is advertised as a new generation of filler that can help you defy the effects of aging. It’s a long-lasting dermal filler that is FDA-approved to treat skin folds and wrinkles. Bellafill is most commonly used on cheeks, the nose, lips, the chin, and around the mouth. It can also be injected in different parts of the face to correct facial contours and imperfections. Additionally, Bellafill can be used to treat severe acne scars in patients over the age of 21. The filler is made from a collagen base and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microspheres.

The cost of a Bellafill procedure will depend on the scope of the procedure and the depth of the wrinkles and scars that are being treated. Multiple visits may be needed if the patient needs multiple sites treated.

How safe is Bellafill?

The FDA approved Bellafill in 2006 to treat nasolabial folds (smile lines or laugh lines) and was approved again in 2014 to treat certain types of acne scarring. The filler is administered in clinics and offices by trained professionals after a brief consultation to ensure that the patient’s expected results are realistic.

Bellafill is generally considered safe but patients are required to have a skin test to ensure there is no chance of an allergic reaction. Patients should ideally be over the age of 21 and not be allergic to bovine collagen. They should also not have a condition that causes irregular scarring and they should not have any severe allergies.

How long does a Bellafill procedure take?

The average Bellafill procedure takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour depending on how many areas the patient wants to correct. A simple injection to treat wrinkles around the mouth can take 15 minutes, but a full facial rejuvenation package may take up to an hour.

How long do Bellafill results last?

Results are immediately noticeable and will generally last up to five years.

What is the recovery time for a Bellafill facial rejuvenation?

You can expect to recover immediately after a Bellafill procedure.

Are there any side effects of Bellafill?

Some pain, swelling or itching may occur at the affected sites. Some people may also develop small lumps or discoloration. These symptoms are temporary and will disappear within a week or less.

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What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is a dermal filler with a hyaluronic acid-base. The compound, also known as HA, can hydrate and maintain moisture in the skin, in addition to being a natural substance to the body. When injected as a filler, it can be used to improve the signs of aging and restore facial contours. Juvederm is typically used on facial areas such as the cheeks, lips and around the mouth.

Juvederm is actually a number of different products:

• Juvederm Voluma XC adds volume beneath the surface of your skin and is most typically used to make cheeks appear larger.
• Juvederm XC and Juvederm Vollure XC help restore the elasticity of the skin while filling wrinkles and lines around the mouth and nose.
• Juvederm Ultra XC and Juvederm Volbella XC are designed for use around the lips to enhance their appearance.

How safe is Juvederm?

Juvederm was approved in 2006 by the FDA. In 2016 alone, 2.4 million procedures using hyaluronic acid-based fillers (such as Juvederm) were performed.

How long does a Juvederm procedure take?

The average Juvederm procedure takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The more areas the patient wants to treat, the longer the procedure will take.

How long do Juvederm results last?

Juvederm results typically last between one and two years.

What is the recovery time for a Juvederm facial rejuvenation?

Recovery time for a Juvederm facial rejuvenation is minimal and patients can return to their normal activities a day after. However, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity, exposure to UV rays and wearing makeup. Alcohol should also not be consumed for 24 hours after the treatment.

Are there any side effects of Juvederm?

Some patients may experience redness, bruising or minor pain. Others may encounter minor itching and discomfort. These side effects typically subside within a few days to a month depending on the severity. However, side effects typically only occur due to unprofessional handling. In the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon, the chance for side effects to occur is decidedly low.

Which should I pick for my procedure?

Juvederm and Bellafill accomplish similar things, but there are subtle differences that could become a dealbreaker.

Juvederm is simpler to use than Bellafill. After an initial consultation, patients can often receive their injections on the same day. There is no allergy test required and the results are instant. In addition, Juvederm is a well-tolerated filler with a great track record. On the other hand, Bellafill requires an allergy test before the first procedure to ensure that you don’t have a bad reaction to bovine collagen. During the procedure itself, you’ll typically need more injections than Juvederm to achieve the same results.

Though Juvederm doesn’t last as long as Bellafill, the procedure is much faster and can easily be repeated every 9 to 12 months with a 10-minute session. Bellafill takes much longer initially, but the results can last up to five years.

In terms of results, Bellafill is the only filler that is approved to treat acne scarring. It’s also extremely effective on deep smile lines. Juvederm is not approved to treat acne scarring but can improve volume in multiple areas where Bellafill isn’t approved. Ultimately, you’ll want to discuss with your cosmetic surgeon to decide which procedure is best for your circumstances and the results that you’re looking for.

Get the dermal filler that is best for you.

With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons can help you understand the advantages of each dermal filler and decide which is best for you. Contact VIDA Wellness and Beauty by calling us at +1(619) 738-2144 (toll-free) and schedule a free consultation today.