Bellafill: Long-Lasting Solution for Acne Scars

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2015/01/06 - Updated: 2025/06/15
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Acne - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article details the FDA approval and clinical background of Bellafill, a dermal filler specifically designed to treat moderate to severe atrophic, distensible facial acne scars in adults over 21 years of age. The information is authoritative, drawing on data from double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, which demonstrated that Bellafill is both safe and effective, with a significant proportion of patients experiencing meaningful scar improvement after treatment. The article highlights that Bellafill is unique as the only filler currently approved for this indication, offering a long-lasting solution with minimal downtime, which is particularly beneficial for individuals whose scars may affect self-esteem and quality of life, including seniors and people with disabilities who may be more vulnerable to the psychosocial impacts of visible scarring. The article's clinical focus and reference to FDA approval make it a reliable resource for patients and healthcare providers seeking evidence-based options for acne scar management - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Bellafill represents a significant clinical advancement as the only filler on the market approved for this disfiguring skin condition. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting 40-50 million people(1) and up to 95% of people with acne may go on to suffer from scarring(2). Bellafill was studied extensively prior to its FDA approval and proven to be safe and effective for the correction of moderate to severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheek in patients over the age of 21 years.

Main Content

"These types of acne scars affect millions of people and can have a profoundly negative impact on their self-esteem and self-confidence," said Nicholas L. Teti, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Suneva Medical. "The results of this rigorous clinical study prove that Bellafill reduces the appearance of acne scars - providing a solution to this widespread skin condition that previously had limited treatment choices. Bellafill can have a transformational effect on a patient's appearance and in turn, we hope an improvement in quality of life."

In an independent study, more than 70% of respondents felt their acne scars negatively impacted their self-confidence, with 92% indicating self-confidence would be restored or improved if their acne scars were healed(3). To help treat disfiguring acne scars, Bellafill adds volume to the skin to lift and smooth out pitted acne scars to the level of the surrounding skin. The long-lasting treatment is a simple, in-office procedure with minimal to no downtime.

"In the dermatology field, we regularly see patients who live with the burden of acne scarring - a physical and emotional burden that leads many to feel depressed, less energetic and less social. With Bellafill, we have a tremendous opportunity to remedy acne scars and help patients live a happier, healthy life," said Dr. Ava Shamban, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA, and an investigator in the Bellafill acne scar study. "The level of acne scar correction Bellafill achieves is truly impressive and I greatly look forward to using this proven treatment option with patients."

Joana, a clinical study subject, expressed how treatment with Bellafill has affected her:

"Bellafill has improved my skin, it has lifted it up... and I just feel more positive. I feel more secure about myself. I feel more beautiful going out on the streets and just mingling with people. I feel more confident."

Clinically and Statistically Significant Results

FDA approval of Bellafill was based on the outcomes of a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled pivotal study in which subjects were treated with Bellafill at 10 U.S. clinical centers. Bellafill was found to be a safe and effective treatment when compared to subjects treated with a Control saline injection.

The study required a high threshold for success in which the primary effectiveness endpoint was proven superior for subjects treated with Bellafill compared to Control at 6 months. A responder was defined as a subject who had 50% or more of treated acne scars improve by two or more points on a validated 4-point Acne Scar Rating Scale (ASRS). At 6 months, the response rate for Bellafill was 64% vs. 33% for Control (p=.0005). Bellafill continued to show effectiveness by an unblinded assessment at 12 months (71%).

Secondary effectiveness endpoints were evaluated, where both investigators and subjects were asked to evaluate appearance on a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale that was blinded through 6 months and unblinded at 12 months. Both groups rated appearance as improved, reaching statistical significance at every time-point after the touch-up period (at week 4) through 6 months. On the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (PGAIS) 84% of subjects were rated as improved at 6 months and 98% were improved at 12 months by an unblinded assessment. On the Subject Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (SGAIS), 77% of subjects rated their appearance as improved at 6 months and 83% rated their appearance as improved at 12 months. In addition, subjects were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with acne scar correction treatment on a Subject Assessment of Scar Correction scale (SASC). At 6 months (blinded), 84% of subjects were satisfied while 90% were satisfied at 12 months (unblinded).

Suneva Medical, Inc. is a privately-held aesthetics company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing novel, differentiated products for the general dermatology and aesthetic markets. The innovative aesthetics leader markets Bellafill, the only dermal filler on the market that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the correction of nasolabial folds and moderate to severe, atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheek in patients over the age of 21 years. The company markets Bellafill in the U.S. and Canada; ArteFill in South Korea and Singapore; Regenica skin care in the U.S. and Canada; ReFissa tretinoin cream in the U.S. ArteFill was re-branded to Bellafill in the U.S. to reflect the transformational outcomes this unique product can provide to patients seeking correction of their acne scars and nasolabial folds.

• 1 - American Academy of Dermatology
• 2 - Layton et al. A Clinical Evaluation of Acne Scarring and Its Incidence. Clin Exp Dermatol 1994;19:303-8
• 3 - Formula PR Independent Study, 2013

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.