Bellafil is a ‘new’ injectable filler that really is a rebranding of Artefill/Artecoll which as been around been development and as a clinical product for over fifteen years. It received FDA approval in 2006 to treat nasolabial folds/smile lines. It is a combination of bovine collagen and PMMA microspheres. It is classified as a semi-permanent filler as the PMMA beads remain behind while the carrier collagen gets resorbed. It has had a rocky company history and its ore recent acquisition by Suneva Medical has given it a boost back into clinical awareness.
Bellafil recently received FDA approval to treat acne scarring which makes it the first injectable filler to do so. Acne and the scars it leaves behind is a very common skin problem that affects tens of millions of Americans alone. Because of its beaded composition, it is likely more effective than most other hyaluronic acid fillers in lifting depressed acne scars up to the level of the surrouding skin as it provides more soft tissue push.
The FDA approval was based on a study of 150 acne patients, all older than age 21, against a placebo injection. The Bellafil treated patients had a significant and sustained improvement in their acne scar appearance that continued for up to a year after injection.
The treatment of acne scarring requires multiple approaches from punch excision, laser resurfacing and injection therapies. No one treatment is best for acne scarring as they take on many different scar forms. But an injectable approach has s role for some acnes scars, like the boxcar type, in which a subdermal push is useful in lessening their appearance.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana