Belotero: Effectiveness, Before And After Photos, Side Effects, & Cost

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HealthlineSubscribeIs Belotero Right for Me?

Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on July 6, 2018

Overview
Cost
How it works
Procedure
Targeted areas
Risks and side effects
What to expect
Pictures
Preparation
Finding a provider

Fast facts

About

Belotero is a line of cosmetic dermal fillers that help to reduce the appearance of lines and folds in facial skin.
They’re injectable fillers with a hyaluronic acid base.
The Belotero product line includes fillers of different consistencies for use on both fine lines and severe folds.
It’s used mostly used on the cheeks, nose, lips, chin, and around the eyes.
The procedure takes anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.

Safety

Belotero was approved by the FDA in 2011.
After receiving an injection, you might notice some temporary swelling and redness at the injection site.
Don’t get Belotero if you have a history of severe allergies.

Convenience

A plastic surgeon or physician can administer a Belotero injection in their office.
You won’t have to undergo any allergy testing before your appointment.
Belotero requires minimal recovery time. You can return to your usual activities almost immediately after your appointment.

Cost

In 2016, the average cost of a Belotero injection was $620.

Effectiveness

You’ll notice results almost immediately after getting a Belotero injection.
Belotero lasts for 6 to 18 months, depending the type used and the area being treated.

What is Belotero?

Belotero is an injectable dermal filler with a hyaluronic acid base. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your skin. It binds with water, which helps to plump up your skin and make it appear smoother. Over time, your body absorbs the hyaluronic acid in Belotero.

Belotero was originally approved by the FDA in 2011 to fill in moderate to severe nasolabial folds, also called laugh lines. However, the company has since expanded its line of products to include fillers of different consistencies for treating different types of lines.

For example, Belotero Soft is used for very fine lines, while Belotero Volume is used to restore volume and plump up the cheeks, nose, and lips.

Belotero is safe for most people. However, its safety for people under the age of 18 or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is unknown. You should also avoid Belotero if you have a history of severe or multiple allergies, especially to Gram-positive proteins.

How much does Belotero cost?

The average cost of Belotero is $620 per treatment, according to a 2016 survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Keep in mind that the final cost depends on several factors, including:

the Belotero product used
the amount of product needed
the number of treatment sessions
the skill and experience of the specialist
the geographical location

Belotero is considered a cosmetic procedure, so most insurance companies won’t cover it.

While Belotero doesn’t require much of a recovery period, you may want to take a day or two off work just in case you have any kind of reaction.

How does Belotero work?

Belotero has a soft, gel-like consistency. The hyaluronic acid in the product binds with the water in your skin to subtly fill in lines and wrinkles.

Some Belotero products have more volume, which makes them effective for enlarging your lips, cheeks, or chin.

How is it done?

Before the procedure, your doctor will take your medical history. Make sure you tell them about any allergies you have or medications you take before the procedure.

Most Belotero products contain lidocaine. This is a type of local anesthesia that helps to minimize pain from the injection. If you’re concerned about pain, you can also ask your doctor about applying a topical numbing agent before the procedure.

Before giving you an injection, your doctor might use a marker to map out the areas being treated. Next, they’ll clean with area with an antiseptic solution.

Once the area is clean, your doctor will inject Belotero using a fine-gauge needle syringe. They might gently massage the area after the injection to help spread out the filler for a more natural look.

The number of syringes your doctor will use depends on how many areas you’re treating. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on what you’re having done. In addition, some people require a touch-up after the initial treatment to achieve their desired look.

What areas does Belotero target?

Belotero is approved for the treatment of nasolabial folds. However, it’s also used on the forehead, chin, cheeks, and lips.

Belotero is used to:

fill in lines around your eyes, nose, and mouth
correct under-eye bags
fill forehead wrinkles
contour your cheeks and jawline
plump your lips
treat some types of acne scars
correct small nose bumps

Are there any risks or side effects?

While Belotero is generally safe, it can cause a few temporary side effects. These tend to go away on their own in about seven days.

Common side effects of Belotero include:

swelling
redness
bruising
tenderness

Less common side effects include:

discoloration
hardening of the skin
lumps and bumps
numbness
dry lips

In rare cases, a Belotero injection can cause more serious side effects, including:

permanent scarring
stroke
blindness

However, these more serious side effects are usually the result of poor technique or an untrained provider. You can avoid these risks by making sure you choose a licensed provider who has plenty of experience injecting dermal fillers.

What can I expect after the procedure?

You should notice the effects of Belotero immediately after treatment. Following the procedure, you can return to your usual activities right away.

However, it’s best to avoid the following for 24 hours after your appointment:

strenuous activity
excessive heat or sun exposure
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
alcoholic beverages

You might also have some pain and swelling near the injection site during the next 24 hours. Applying a cold pack to the area can provide relief.

Your results should last for about 6 to 18 months, depending on the Belotero product used:

Belotero Basic/Belotero Balance: lasts up to 6 months when used for subtle to moderate lines or lip enhancement
Belotero Soft: lasts up to 12 months for fine lines or lip enhancement
Belotero Intense: lasts up to 12 months when used for deep lines or lip enhancement
Belotero Volume: lasts up to 18 months when used to add volume to cheeks or temples

Before and after pictures

How do I prepare for a Belotero injection

You don’t need to do much to prepare for a Belotero injection. Make sure you tell your doctor during your initial consultation visit about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take. You might need to avoid taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a few days before the procedure.

How do I find a Belotero provider?

If you’re interested in trying Belotero, start by finding a qualified provider. They can give you a consultation to help you determine which product will work best for your needs. Choosing a licensed, experienced provider also ensures you’ll get the best results with the lowest risk.

You can find a licensed provider in your area via the Belotero website or The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

2016 The American Society for Aesthetic PlasticSurgery Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank Statistics. (2016).https://www.surgery.org/sites/default/files/ASAPS-Stats2016.pdf
Belotero. (n.d.).https://www.belotero.com
Belotero Balance. (n.d.).https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf9/P090016c.pdf
Dermal fillers approved by the Center forDevices and Radiological Health. (2018).https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/CosmeticDevices/WrinkleFillers/ucm227749.htm
Dermal fillers minimally invasive procedures.(n.d.).https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/safety
Find ABCS surgeons. (n.d.).https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/find-a-cosmetic-surgeon-near-you/
Prasetyo AD, et al. (2016). Hyaluronic acidfillers with cohesive polydensified matrix for soft-tissue augmentation and rejuvenation:a literature review. DOI:https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S106551
Lorenc Z P, et al. (2013). Review of keyBelotero Balance safety and efficacy trials. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829a07d5

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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on July 6, 2018

Belotero: Effectiveness, Before And After Photos, Side Effects, & Cost

What is Belotero?

How much does Belotero cost?

How does Belotero work?

How is it done?

What areas does Belotero target?

Are there any risks or side effects?

What can I expect after the procedure?

Before and after pictures

How do I prepare for a Belotero injection

How do I find a Belotero provider?

How we reviewed this article:

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