- Approved for
- Smile lines and certain acne scars on the cheeks, in adults over 21
- Skin test
- Required before your first treatment, about 4 weeks ahead
- Studied results
- Effectiveness shown through 5 years for smile lines and 12 months for acne scars
- What stays
- The PMMA beads are not absorbed by the body
- Common side effects
- Swelling, redness, pain, bruising or lumps, usually gone within 1 to 7 days
What is Bellafill®?
Bellafill® is a dermal filler made of bovine (cow) collagen gel with lidocaine, a numbing medicine, and tiny, smooth beads of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate), a type of plastic. It was first FDA-approved in 2006 under the name ArteFill. Today it is made and marketed by Tiger Aesthetics Medical, LLC.
According to the manufacturer, the collagen adds volume right away and the PMMA beads provide lasting support. The FDA describes PMMA beads as tiny, round, smooth particles that are not absorbed by the body, so they stay in the skin.
Who may Bellafill help?
Bellafill is FDA-approved for adults over 21 with:
- Smile lines (nasolabial folds), approved in 2006
- Moderate to severe, pitted (atrophic) acne scars on the cheeks that flatten when the skin is gently stretched, approved in 2014
According to the FDA, non-absorbable fillers are approved only for smile lines and cheek acne scars. Bellafill must not be used to add volume to the lips, and using it in other areas is off-label. If acne scars are your concern, you can also read about acne and acne scar care and laser resurfacing.
Why a skin test comes first
Because Bellafill contains cow collagen, a skin test is required before your first treatment to check for a collagen allergy. The product labeling calls for the test about 4 weeks before treatment. If the test shows a reaction, or if two tests give unclear results, you should not receive Bellafill.
What to expect at our Torrance office
Consultation and exam
Your health history, allergies and past treatments are reviewed, and your smile lines or acne scars are examined.
Skin test
A small test dose checks for a collagen allergy, about 4 weeks before treatment.
Treatment visit
If your skin test is negative, Bellafill is injected with a fine needle. It contains lidocaine to help with discomfort.
Aftercare and follow-up
You receive aftercare instructions. Tell our team about any lump, redness or swelling that appears or lasts, even weeks later.
How long do results last?
According to the manufacturer, effectiveness has been shown through 5 years for smile lines and through 12 months for acne scars. Results vary from person to person. Because the PMMA beads stay in the skin, take time to talk through your goals and questions with Dr. Shin before treatment.
From skin test to results
- 4 weeks before — Skin test for a collagen allergy
- Treatment day — Collagen adds volume right away
- 1 to 7 days — Swelling, redness or bruising usually fade
- Through 5 years — Effectiveness shown for smile lines (12 months for acne scars)
Questions to ask before you decide
The FDA advises patients to read and discuss the patient labeling for their filler. Questions worth asking at your consultation include:
- Are my smile lines or acne scars the type Bellafill is approved to treat?
- What did my skin test show?
- What happens if a lump appears months after treatment?
- What other options, including fillers the body absorbs, could I consider?
Side effects and risks
Swelling, redness, pain, bruising, lumps, itching or discoloration can happen at the injection site. These usually go away within 1 to 7 days.
- Lumps or bumps can appear more than a month after treatment and may last.
- Granulomas (inflamed lumps) occur infrequently and may need treatment by a physician.
- Because the PMMA beads stay in the skin, removing the filler can be difficult or impossible, as the FDA notes for fillers that are not absorbed.
Who should not have Bellafill, or should talk to Dr. Shin first
Do not have Bellafill if you:
- had a positive skin test, or two unclear skin tests
- have severe allergies, or are allergic to bovine (cow) collagen or lidocaine
- have a bleeding disorder
- tend to form thick or keloid scars
- are getting, or plan to get, allergy shots (desensitization) for meat products
- want to add volume to your lips
Safety has not been established in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are under 21. Tell Dr. Shin about your medicines and any past fillers or cosmetic treatments.
Common questions
Does Bellafill stay in the skin?
The PMMA beads do. Your body does not absorb them, so they stay in the skin, and removing them can be difficult or impossible. According to the manufacturer, effectiveness has been shown through 5 years for smile lines and 12 months for acne scars. Results vary, so discuss this carefully before treatment.
Why do I need a skin test before Bellafill?
Bellafill contains bovine (cow) collagen, and some people are allergic to it. The skin test checks for that allergy before your first treatment, and the product labeling calls for it about 4 weeks ahead. If the test shows a reaction, or two tests are unclear, Bellafill should not be used.
Is Bellafill the same as ArteFill?
Yes. Bellafill was first FDA-approved in 2006 under the name ArteFill, for smile lines. It later received its current name, and in 2014 it was also approved for certain acne scars on the cheeks. Today it is made and marketed by Tiger Aesthetics Medical, LLC.
Can Bellafill treat any type of acne scar?
No. It is FDA-approved for moderate to severe, pitted (atrophic) acne scars on the cheeks that flatten when the skin is stretched, in adults over 21. Other scar types or areas may need a different approach, such as laser resurfacing. Dr. Shin can assess your scars at an exam.
Can Bellafill be used in the lips?
No. The product labeling says Bellafill must not be used to add volume to the lips. It is approved only for smile lines and certain acne scars on the cheeks. If you are interested in lip treatment, ask our team about products that are FDA-approved for the lips.
Important information
- FDA status and disclosure: Bellafill® is FDA-approved for smile lines and certain acne scars on the cheeks. Its PMMA microspheres are not absorbed and stay in the skin, so removing the filler can be difficult or impossible. Please call (310) 326-2161 to confirm Bellafill is currently available.
- Rare but serious risk: Any filler can be injected into a blood vessel by accident, which can cause skin damage, vision loss or stroke. Get help right away if you have vision changes, unusual pain, or skin that turns white, gray or blue.
Sources & further reading
- Premarket Approval P020012: ArteFill / Bellafill (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Bellafill Frequently Asked Questions and Important Safety Information (opens in a new tab) — Tiger Aesthetics Medical, LLC
- Bellafill Instructions for Use (U.S.) (opens in a new tab) — Bellafill manufacturer labeling
- FDA-Approved Dermal Fillers (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Dermal Fillers (Soft Tissue Fillers) (opens in a new tab) — U.S. Food & Drug Administration
- Bellafill receives FDA approval for the treatment of acne scars (opens in a new tab) — Suneva Medical (via PR Newswire)
Last updated October 2026. This page is educational and does not replace a visit with a clinician.
