On October 30, 2006, the FDA approved ArteFill to reverse aging signs in most healthy adults. Eight years later, the FDA approved the rebranding of the injectable. Today, it’s known as Bellafill. At Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, IL, we proudly offer this injectable anti-aging treatment for many reasons, including its longevity. Today, we’re taking a closer look at this injectable, including just how long you can expect it to last.
Does Bellafill Really Last for Five Years?
It is not unheard of for Bellafill results to last for 60 months. In some cases, the results of this injectable treatment can even last a lifetime. Specifically, you can expect your treatment results to last forever if you use this injectable for the purpose of eliminating acne scars. This injectable was approved for this use by the FDA in 2016. Since then, a great number of treatments have been administered for the safe, effective elimination of acne scars.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Extend the Longevity of My Results?
Yes, there are steps you can take to extend the longevity of your results. This injectable skin improvement treatment works due to the introduction of PMMA molecules into the foundational layer of your skin. PMMA, sometimes referred to as polymethylmethacrylate, molecules encourage your skin to produce a lot more collagen than it usually does.
The more collagen your skin produces, the better your blood flow in the area will be. This is important because your blood transports critical nutrients and hydration. It is also important that this PMMA injection increases collagen production because collagen is directly responsible for keeping your skin volumized, healthy, and tight. You need to ensure your collagen remains as abundant and healthy as possible for the longest-lasting results.
Watch Your Caffeine Intake
One important step you can take to ensure your results last as long as possible is to ensure your blood pressure remains relatively normal most of the time. When your blood pressure is elevated, your skin can’t get the nutrients it needs to stay tight, young, and healthy. Therefore, you should make sure that you don’t exceed the maximum recommended dose of caffeine. Caffeine can increase your blood pressure for hours.
Another reason why you should watch your caffeine intake for the sake of your skin health is that caffeine is a diuretic when it is consumed in large doses. Your body’s unique response to caffeine depends on several factors and determines how much caffeine you can take every day safely. However, most healthy people can consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day without serious consequences. This includes caffeine from:
- Weight loss drugs
- Migraine medication
- Anti-bloating medication
- Chocolate
- Energy drinks
- Coffee
- Tea
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is another important step you can take to ensure that you maintain your results for as long as possible. Exercise is important for increasing the longevity of your results because the more you exercise, the healthier your cardiovascular system is. The health of your cardiovascular system is important because your skin needs hydration, nutrients, and growth factors supplied by the blood stream.
It is strongly recommended that you exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week, focusing on moderate cardiovascular exercise. Resistance training is great for your musculoskeletal health, but it is not as effective for improving the health of your cardiovascular system as cardiovascular exercise is. There’s nothing wrong with exercising outside. Just make sure that you don’t forget your sunscreen if you will be exercising outside. Also, try to exercise when UVs are low.
Eat Lots of Vegetables
Your diet will also affect the longevity of your results. There is a chance that your results won’t last for five years if your diet is poor. If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, you will not have enough amino acids to repair damaged collagen and produce meaningful quantities of collagen. Generally, you should try to eat half a gram of protein per pound of lean body mass. If you don’t have a scale to calculate your lean mass, use an online calculator.
One great way to ensure that you eat enough protein is to have at least one high-protein veggie with every meal. For example, you may have a mango kale smoothie and crustless spinach quiche for breakfast, a spinach salad for lunch, and broccoli and halibut for dinner. The reason why eating high-protein veggies is great is that these vegetables also tend to be high in vitamin C, a micronutrient that your skin requires for collagen health and production.
Drink Lots of Water
Remember, one of the reasons to watch your caffeine intake is that it is a diuretic when it is consumed in large quantities. It is important to remain hydrated because your skin needs adequate hydration in addition to micronutrients, macronutrients, and growth factors to stay healthy. Generally, you should aim to drink between 64 and 128 ounces of water daily depending on your body mass, activity level, and diet.
If your diet is high in water-rich foods like vegetables, smoothies made with ice, and broth-based soups, you may not need to drink as much water and tea as others with a similar body mass and activity level. As a general rule of thumb, men need to drink around a gallon of water daily because they tend to have a larger body mass. As another rule of thumb, women should drink around half a gallon of water daily because they tend to be less active.
How Can I Tell I’m Hydrated?
You can tell you’re hydrated when your urine is pale. If your urine is dark, try to drink a little more water per hour consistently.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Treatment?
To determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment, you need to come in for an initial consultation. If you’re a relatively healthy adult, you’ll probably qualify for this injectable anti-aging treatment, but we need to review your health and goals before we can for sure whether it is a good fit for you. For example, this treatment will not be a good fit for you if you are worried about dynamic wrinkles, rather than wrinkles caused by volume loss.
Also, this treatment will be deemed a poor fit for you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have breastfed recently or are trying to become pregnant, you should hold off on considering this treatment until you have had your baby and finished breastfeeding. Note, you will also be considered a poor fit for this treatment if you have a bleeding disorder, nerve disorder, or skin irritation at the time of your appointment.
How Should I Prepare for My Treatment Session?
To prepare for your injection session, you need to ensure that your skin is not irritated at the time of your scheduled session. If you have a history of acne outbreaks in your area of concern, use a retinol-free preventative treatment to mitigate the risk of an active acne outbreak. If you have a history of cold sores, make sure that you take an antiviral in the days leading up to your treatment session.
You should also prevent skin irritation at the time of your appointment by wearing sunscreen diligently for two weeks before your session. Another important preparation step you should take is to ensure that your skin will be as receptive as possible to the injected molecules. To accomplish this, make sure that you are hydrated when you come in for your appointment. Also, eat a nutritious, high-protein snack or small meal within a couple of hours pre-treatment.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
In some cases, Bellafill results really can last for five years. In other cases, such as acne scar treatment, the results can last a lifetime. Note, your lifestyle choices and genetics can affect the longevity of your results. For the longest-lasting results, make sure you consider your diet and exercise routine carefully. Contact us today at Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, IL to schedule your initial consultation.
We are conveniently located near Woodridge, IL and open five days per week. If it is more convenient for you, you are also more than welcome to schedule a virtual Bellafill consultation. Just advise us on your preference when you schedule your first appointment. We can’t wait to meet you and help you determine the most effective cosmetic treatments to help you achieve all of your aesthetic goals.