Can the Bellafil Under My Eyes Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I had Bellafill injections under my eyes and on my cheeks . As I am aging, it’s becoming more noticeable. Like to have a consultation to see what could be done. Not expecting a miracle, but hoping that I can soften the effects somewhat if possible. Thank you

A: Bellafill is a permanent injectable filler that creates its effect by the implantation of small acrylic or plastic beads. Scar tissue forms around them and that becomes the basis of their sustained effect. Removal of such an injectable filler requires an excisional approach, meaning it has to be cut out. Depending upon where it is on the face it could be reasonable to do or not reasonable to do. Meaning if it’s in an area that allows favorable incisional locations where are the filler can be accessed then it may be reasonable to do. For example if it is in reasonable proximity to that of a lower blepharoplasty incision then it could be potentially reduced or remove. 

On closer inspection of your picture it looks like most of the filler is that the lower lid cheat junction which would make it either impossible to safely access for would likely caused lower lid retraction problems even if it was able to be removed. In short the risk benefit ratio in my opinion is not a favorable on.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon