Which is the Best Facial Filler for Acne Scars?

Severe acne breakouts often not only damage the outer layer of skin, but also the deeper, underlying tissues as well. Sometimes, in an attempt to heal itself after your flare-up, the skin produces too little collagen, which results in the formation of a scar. Patients who are choosing cosmetic treatments for scarring have several options available. The most suitable treatment for you depends on what type of acne scar you have. Although microneedling, chemical peels, and facial fillers are often used for reducing certain types of scars, Bellafill^® is the only dermal filler that has been approved by the FDA for treating distensible acne scars. Here’s what Boston-area patients who are considering Bellafill^® for their depressed acne scars—such as rolling scars caused by volume loss—should know before coming in for the treatment.

Bellafill^® is a collagen-stimulating injectable that is mainly used for volumizing and lifting the skin to reduce wrinkles and creases (such as nasolabial folds) or sculpting facial contours. It is also used on acne scars. The filler itself made up of a combination of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) beads and a bovine collagen solution.

Many fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based gels, are designed to add volume that is visible right away, but that dissipates over time as the material is metabolized. As opposed to these hyaluronic acid fillers, the PMMA microspheres in Bellafill^® continue to promote collagen production over an extended time period so that your skin looks progressively smoother and tighter. Even after the filler breaks down, the new collagen will remain.

Unlike other facial fillers, results generally last for a minimum of five years. Bellafill^® is non-resorbable, so patients will have to decide whether they’re ready to commit to it. Note, however, that for patients with active acne, infections, or skin rashes, the filler might not be the right treatment at the moment. From a skincare perspective, the initial flare-ups should be resolved first. Then you can focus on reducing the appearance of scars.

Want to learn more about how Bellafill^® improves the look of acne scars? Contact the Dr. Happe Medical Aesthetics team today for more details on the advantages of using Bellafill^®. Call us at (617) 597-2600 or, if you prefer, write us a message to set up a consultation for dermal fillers or another cosmetic procedure.