What is Belotero?

Belotero is a hyaluronic acid (HA) based filler. It is made of the same basic molecule as Voluma, Restylane and Juvederm. It is designed to be used very close the surface of the skin. It is very soft and spreads easily, helping avoid lumps or irregularities. This makes it a fantastic filler for superficial wrinkles or lines in the face. It also works incredibly well for the tear trough area or hollow upper eyelids.

How does Belotero work?

Belotero is injected into the skin very close to the surface to treat the lines and wrinkles for a smoother result than most other fillers can achieve. Dr. Vennemeyer uses numbing cream to make the procedure comfortable. Belotero is then injected in very small quantities and massaged. This process is repeated to build thin layers of product until lines are erased or significantly reduced.

When is Belotero used?

Smile Lines, Frown Lines: Belotero is perfect for smile lines around the eyes and mouth. Dr. Vennemeyer often uses Belotero to improve the corners of the mouth that get a down-turned appearance with aging. It also works very well on lip lines, sometimes called “smoker’s lines.”

Eyes and Eyelids: There are very few fillers that work well around the eyes. Belotero is among the best for tear troughs—the creases that form under the eyes extending downwards and outwards. Belotero also works remarkably well for filling the upper eyelids. Many people lose volume in the upper eyelids with aging and develop a hollow appearance to their eyes. Some people get this appearance after too much fat is removed in an upper eyelid lift. Dr. Vennemeyer is skilled at using fillers around the eyes, considered a challenging area. He often fixes bad results from other less experienced injectors.

What are the advantages?

Belotero injection is a minimally invasive procedure without much down time. Its unique properties make it the perfect filler for superficial lines, around the eyes and around the mouth.

What are the disadvantages of Belotero?

The biggest disadvantage to Belotero is that it does not last as long as other fillers in most areas of the face. Superficial lines around the mouth typically need a touch up within 3 months, but then the effects tend to last longer. Tear trough injection results last closer to 6 months after the first injection and often last 9-12 months after the touch up treatment.

What are potential side effects of Belotero?

Mild bruising and swelling are common, but can usually be disguised with cover up. Infection and severe or prolonged swelling are rare.

What is the typical recovery time?

You can return to your regular activities immediately after a Belotero injection. We recommend that you avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours to avoid excessive bruising or swelling. Mild swelling may be apparent for a week or two after injection around the eyes.