What is Belotero Balance?
Belotero Balance is a gel dermal filler that is monophasic and hyaluronic acid-based. There are several hyaluronic acid dermal fillers currently used in the U.S.; however, Belotero Balance is unique in its use of cohesive polydensified matrix (CPM) technology and is the world’s first dermal filler of its kind. First introduced in Germany in 2005, Belotero products enjoy expansive popularity in Austria, Italy, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom for the treatment of moderate and severe facial wrinkles and folds.

How does Belotero Balance work?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar that is found in the human body and assists skin in maintaining volume and elasticity. The presence of this natural substance can decrease over time due to sun damage, aging, pollution and lifestyle, causing sagging skin and wrinkles. Belotero Balance treatments provide plumping and wrinkle reduction by introducing hyaluronic acid into the treatment area, which then attracts water to the area to promote natural volume and plumping.

What problem areas can Belotero Balance treat?
This dermal filler can be used to provide contouring or augmentation, as well as for correction of deep lines and wrinkles. Uses include:

• Crow’s feet
• Nasolabial lines and folds
• Furrowed brows
• Worry lines
• Chin, cheek or lip augmentation
• Perioral lines
• Décolletage wrinkles
• Smile lines
• Marionette lines

What are the advantages of Belotero Balance over other procedures?
The advantages of Belotero Balance as a monophasic filler with cohesive polydensified matrix technology include:

• Effects that are immediate and long-lasting
• Cost-effectiveness
• Increased safety due to high purity level
• Minimal pain or discomfort during treatment
• Even, low pressure during injection
• Higher levels of viscosity and elasticity, which provide smoother, more natural integration

Who is a candidate for Belotero Balance?
Candidates for Belotero Balance include patients with moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, and who are not hypersensitive to hyaluronic acid. Patients should have a realistic understanding of what to expect from receiving Belotero Balance treatments and should understand that hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are not permanent; therefore, maintenance injections will be required to maintain smooth, youthful skin.

How is the procedure performed?
The first step is a consultation, during which your provider will work with you to determine areas that will be treated. Your provider will then clean the area and will likely apply a topical cream anesthetic. Injections are then performed in the treatment areas. Minor pain or discomfort may occur and treatment time is generally 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of injections needed.

What is the recovery like?
There is no recovery time needed after receiving a Belotero Balance treatment and patients will be able to return to regular daily activities right after their appointment. It is normal to have some slight swelling or redness afterwards that will subside after a few days, but this should not keep patients from returning to work or other daily responsibilities.

What will my results be like?
Patients will notice reduced appearance of wrinkles, lines and folds immediately after receiving the treatment. These results are not permanent, but they are long-lasting, with patients generally needing maintenance treatments at 6-12 month intervals to maintain their more youthful appearance.

What are the risks?
The risks associated with Belotero Balance are the same risks that are present with all hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, which include the possibility of swelling, itchiness, bleeding, bruising, pain or tenderness at or around the injection sites, which usually is gone within a few days. There is also the possibility of a patient having an allergic reaction to the hyaluronic acid; however, this is rather rare and far less likely to occur than allergic reactions to dermal fillers that contain bovine collagen.

People who have a history of cold sores will need to speak to their Belotero Balance provider, who may prescribe an antiviral medication to limit the instance of cold sore recurrence after receiving Belotero Balance.

Is the Belotero Balance approved for use in the U.S.?
As of September, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally accepted the premarket approval application for Belotero Balance, submitted by Merz Pharmaceuticals, LLC. The application is currently under review and, when approved, will allow the use of Belotero Balance in the U.S. to treat moderate to severe wrinkles and folds.

How much does Belotero Balance cost?
The cost of dermal fillers, such as Belotero Balance, varies in relation to geographical region, number of injections needed and individual provider fees. Individual pricing and cost can be reviewed with your provider.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By OnlineSurgery.com Staff
Updated: October 1, 2009