Belotero is a new product. New that is, because it has been widely used in Europe and approved here now for use in the U.S.–new but not really new.
It is the ONLY filler that is approved in the United States for the treatment of fine lines—fine lines like the ones that form above the lip and that are extremely stubborn to treat and often need to be lasered or dermabraded—both these procedures have way longer downtimes, but are unquestionably effective.
Belotero is an interesting filler from many points of view. It produces less reaction when injected superficially in tissue and is associated with less complications (such as discoloration) when injected in tissue. It doesn’t cause bluish discolorations like other fillers when placed in wrinkles, and blends harmoniously with them, making them seem to disappear.
The technique of its use has been honed and perfected in Europe, and I am fortunate to have had some European cosmetic and plastic surgeons share their methods of injection with me. I also feel we’ve taken removing lip lines to a new level!
I really like Belotero for lip wrinkles. I am also using it to fill in stubborn lines in the forehead, sleep lines, and neck lines. The other location where it is showing great promise is in concealing under eye bags and circles.
Belotero can also be used like the other Hyaluronic acids, like Restylane and Juvederm, to push up the corners of the mouth, and for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
Patients ask how long it lasts, and, we think it lasts about as long as the other hyaluronic acids—somewhere between six months and 18 months. Since we’ve only used it for about 8 months, I can say that for most patients, it lasts at least that long… .
I am honored that Merz selected us as the premier practice in the area to trial and demonstrate this product.