Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have become the backbone of modern injectables, largely because they’re designed to move with your face and not against it. HA is a sugar molecule that our bodies produce naturally—it’s found in our skin, joints and connective tissue—where its job is to attract and hold water, up to 1,000 times its own weight. So, it makes sense that this molecule would be chosen for fillers. And when it’s injected into the face, it works the same way, restoring lost volume and plumping up lines and wrinkles. It’s also reversible, which makes it a lower-commitment entry point for the injectable novice.
Today, the hyaluronic acid filler family is expanding: the FDA has approved two new options from Merz Aesthetics: Belotero Volume (+) and Belotero Intense (+). For those with volume loss in the cheeks and midface, Belotero Volume (+) offers natural-looking results, and for those wanting a plumper pout, Belotero Intense (+) was developed with facial dynamics in mind, so you get a volume boost and natural movement.
“Belotero Volume (+) is a good option for patients noticing volume loss in the cheeks or midface, or who want a little more contour and definition in that area,” says New York dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD. “Midface volume loss can make the face look dramatically more tired over time, as it affects so many adjacent areas. Restoring volume thoughtfully can make a meaningful difference while still looking natural. Results can last up to 18 months, although that will always vary from patient to patient.”
For those wanting to improve the appearance of their lips, Dr. Henry says Belotero Intense (+) can help restore some of the volume we naturally lose with age, improving shape and definition. “Or, it can simply add a bit more fullness and hydration,” the dermatologist adds. “Results can last about a year, although longevity depends on the individual and how their body metabolizes the product.”
Both formulas use Merz’s Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) technology, a manufacturing process that creates a gel with both high- and low-density zones. It’s biomimetic in its design, integrating into tissue and mimicking its natural behavior, rather than sitting on top of it. The goal, of course, is to allow for full facial expression without that taut, overfilled look.
“As injectors, we’re always thinking about how a product is going to behave in a specific area of the face,” says Dr. Henry. “What I want from a filler in the cheeks is very different from what I want in the lips, where movement and softness are so important. Having products that are specifically designed with those differences in mind allows us to be much more precise with treatment to ensure patient satisfaction. I think this is also a good example of where injectables are headed in general. We’re moving away from the idea of simply ‘adding filler,’ and becoming much more thoughtful about anatomy, facial movement, placement and which product is best suited for a particular area.”
For Belotero Volume (+), Merz cites 95 percent patient satisfaction through 18 months post-treatment, and for Belotero Intense (+), Merz reports 100 percent patient satisfaction at eight weeks, with results lasting through 12 months. As with any filler, outcomes vary by patient, and any treatment decision should be made with a qualified injector who can help choose the best product for you.
“The goal should always be to enhance someone’s features while maintaining balance and keeping them looking like themselves,” says Dr. Henry. “And of course, filler is still a medical procedure. Who is doing the injecting matters tremendously. I always encourage patients to see an experienced, appropriately trained provider who has a strong understanding of facial anatomy and can choose both the right product and the right technique for that individual patient.”
