Belotero Balance® (+)

Guide

What is Belotero?

With age skin loses components like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, making it prone to wrinkles. Belotero, a hyaluronic acid (HA) filler, integrates seamlessly into the skin to treat moderate-to-severe etched-in lines and wrinkles, such as those around the lips. While other fillers focus on rebuilding facial volume, Belotero specifically addresses etched-in wrinkles for a smoother appearance.

Belotero has been FDA-approved since 2011. Made with hyaluronic acid, a natural substance in your skin that attracts water, it plumps things up to reduce those unwanted wrinkles. It’s best for moderate to deep wrinkles and works relatively quickly to give you a smoother appearance.

While Belotero offers a whole family of fillers used elsewhere in the world, Belotero Balance® (+) is the only one FDA-approved in the US to smooth out moderate to deep wrinkles for adults over 21. It is even approved to tackle those pesky under-eye hollows, according to the FDA, resulting in a more refreshed and awake appearance. 

How Does It Work?

Belotero Balance has a soft, gel-like consistency, with hyaluronic acid that binds with water in your skin to fill lines and wrinkles subtly. This unique filler blends seamlessly into your skin, giving you a natural-looking glow. Unlike some fillers, it won’t restrict your expressions or feel unnatural to the touch.

Belotero vs. Juvéderm: What’s the Difference?

Do all the options confuse you when you think about fillers? Let’s break down the two big names: Belotero and Juvéderm. Both are popular hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers that last a while before eventually getting absorbed by your body.

These filler products work similarly, smoothing lines, adding volume, and hiding those pesky hollows. If you need a do-over, both can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.

But here are the specific differences:

• Juvéderm’s a whole family: Think of it like a team of fillers, each with a specific job. Voluma tackles cheeks, Volux handles jawlines, and Volbella works wonders on lips. Belotero, on the other hand, currently only has Belotero Balance available in the US, which is great for softening lines around the mouth and eyes.
• Softness matters: Belotero is the smoother operator. It’s softer and flows better, making it perfect for blurring out fine lines and hiding under-eye circles. Juvéderm fillers can be a bit thicker and require deeper placement.
• Swelling differences: Juvéderm can attract more water, which may lead to some swelling, especially under the eyes. Belotero usually causes less swelling.
• Longevity differences: Juvéderm generally lasts longer because of its special structure. This can be good (fewer appointments!) but might be tougher to reverse if needed. Belotero’s effects tend to fade a bit quicker.
• Side effects: Some Juvéderm fillers might be more prone to bumps and inflammation than Belotero.

Chat with one of our licensed injectors, to determine which one is right for you. They can help you pick the best filler based on your needs and concerns.

What Areas Can It Treat?

Belotero isn’t just for those nasolabial folds and under eyes. It’s a multi-tasking product that can tackle wrinkles virtually anywhere on your face.

Think forehead creases, crow’s feet, and laugh lines — Belotero can smooth them out. It can also plump up your lips and address some acne scars or small nose bumps. 

How To Prepare for a Treatment

Prepping for Belotero is no problem at all. Just schedule a consultation with one of the experienced injectors at Simply.Aesthetics to talk about any medications you take, especially blood thinners. They might ask you to hold off on those for a few days before your appointment to minimize bruising.

Your injector will give you all the pre-treatment details you need ahead of your appointment, but here’s a heads up: to prep for your appointment, ditch the cigarettes, skip any topical creams or supplements, and hold off on waxing, bleaching, or tweezing the area getting treated. 

What is a Treatment Like?

Belotero is a quick and simple procedure that uses a fine-gauge needle for a series of injections targeting wrinkles. The whole process takes 15 minutes to an hour, sometimes requiring touch-ups.

Most Belotero products contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that minimizes injection pain. If you’re worried about discomfort, ask your provider about using a topical numbing agent before the procedure. 

Your injector may gently massage the area to spread the filler for a natural look. The number of syringes used depends on your treatment plan.

How Long is Recovery?

There’s no need to take a break from life after your appointment. You can jump right back into most daily activities. Just take it easy for the first 24 hours by skipping the gym, avoiding the sun, and ditching the pain relievers and alcohol. You might feel slightly sore or swollen, but a cold compress will be your best friend. 

When Will I See My Results?

You’ll get a volume boost right after your Belotero Balance treatment, but wait a week or two for any swelling to disappear so you can see the full effect. 

RealSelf says Belotero often delivers even better results when combined with other treatments like lasers or microneedling. This can be especially helpful for under-eye concerns.

How Long Do Results Last?

Belotero Balance results don’t last forever but can be visible for several months.  The results typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on your skin type and the treated area. Patients with thinner skin might see the effects fade a bit quicker.

Am I a Candidate?

Belotero might be a great option if you’re looking to smooth out facial wrinkles. It’s commonly used for frown lines, forehead wrinkles, laugh and smile lines, and crow’s feet. As many dermal fillers are available, it’s best to consult an experienced injector to determine the most suitable solution to address your concerns.
While it’s safe and effective for most people, it isn’t for everyone. According to Belotero, if you have a history of bad allergies, including anaphylactic reactions, you may want to avoid Belotero Balance. It’s also not a good fit if you’re allergic to certain proteins which can be found in some bacteria. Before considering Bolotero Balance, please inform your aesthetic professional about any allergies you have.

Pain, Safety & Risks

Belotero Balance uses a super thin needle, so the discomfort is minimal. Think more like a tiny pinch.

Like any injection, Belotero can cause some temporary side effects such as swelling, redness, or maybe some light bruising. There are no major side effects, and any you may experience will usually clear up within a few days, but please call us if things get worse or don’t seem to be improving.

Some less common side effects are discoloration, lumps, or temporary numbness.  For your lips, dryness might be a thing too. More serious risks that are very rare but important to be aware of, include scarring or vision problems. These usually only happen because someone without the right training did the injection. Choose your injector wisely, and find someone licensed with lots of experience like the professionals here at Simply.Aesthetics.

Ready to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and restore your youthful sparkle? Schedule your Belotero consultation with the aesthetic professionals at Simply.Aesthetics in Manasquan today to discover if these injections are right for you.