Belotero is a line of dermal fillers developed by Merz Aesthetics, known for its innovative Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM®) technology. The Belotero cohesive polydensified matrix system allows for uniform tissue integration, natural results, and a clinically proven safety profile.
In this guide, designed for aesthetic medicine professionals, we explore the technical features of Belotero, the different available types (Soft, Balance, Intense, Volume, Revive), its mechanism of action, clinical studies, longevity, treatment areas, and patient selection strategies.
What Is Belotero and What Makes It Unique?
Belotero is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler. Its key differentiator lies in its CPM technology, which creates a monophasic gel with varying internal densities, allowing optimal adaptation to each facial zone.
Key Features:
- Homogeneous integration into the dermis
- Prevents product migration
- Reduces risk of lump formation
- High cohesivity and elasticity
CPM technology ensures the product distributes precisely and naturally, blending into the surrounding tissue.
CPM Technology (Cohesive Polydensified Matrix)
CPM consists of a gel structure with different density zones, improving adaptability based on injection depth and treatment area.
- High cohesivity: better volume control and placement
- Polydensification: denser areas coexist with smoother zones
- Uniform crosslinking: enables slow and predictable degradation of hyaluronic acid
Histological studies show Belotero integrates without forming encapsulations or granulomas, allowing natural facial expression, even in highly mobile areas.
Belotero Range: Types and Applications
| Product | Primary Indications | Injection Depth | Approximate Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belotero Soft | Fine lines, crow’s feet, barcode lines | Superficial intradermal | 6-9 months |
| Belotero Balance | Nasolabial folds, mild creases | Mid dermis | 9-12 months |
| Belotero Intense | Deep wrinkles, moderate volume | Deep dermis / subdermal | 12 months |
| Belotero Volume | Facial volume (cheeks, chin, temples) | Subdermal / supraperiosteal | 12-18 months |
| Belotero Revive | Hydration and glow with glycerol | Superficial meso | 6 months |
Indications and Treatment Zones
- Perioral zone: barcode lines, oral commissures
- Crow’s feet and orbicular area: Belotero Soft
- Nasolabial folds: Balance or Intense depending on depth
- Jawline and cheek contouring: Volume
- Full-face glow and skin quality: Revive
The line’s versatility allows treatment of superficial wrinkles and structural volume restoration harmoniously.
Clinical Studies and Efficacy
Multiple clinical studies support Belotero’s efficacy, safety, and natural results:
- Comparison with other fillers: lower post-treatment edema and better histologic integration (Goldberg et al., 2013)
- High patient satisfaction: based on GAIS and FACE-Q scales
- Clinically proven longevity in high-mobility zones (lips, perioral area)
Patients report an “invisible” sensation of the product during facial expression, without stiffness or overcorrection.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Belotero Type
Key Factors:
- Wrinkle depth
- Anatomical area and muscle mobility
- Patient’s skin thickness
- Desire for natural appearance vs structural correction
Practical Recommendations:
- Use Belotero Soft for thin skin and superficial zones
- Choose Intense or Volume for contouring or marked depressions
- Balance is the most versatile: ideal for first-time users of the line
Safety and Side Effects
Belotero has a long safety track record and is approved in over 70 countries. Side effects are similar to those of other hyaluronic acid fillers:
- Mild erythema
- Temporary swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness at injection points
More serious risks such as vascular occlusion are rare when using proper technique and protocols.
Competitive Advantages for Aesthetic Clinics
- High patient retention due to natural results
- Low post-injection reactivity
- Possibility of combination treatments (e.g., Revive + Volume)
- Support from Merz Aesthetics with technical training and marketing materials
Conclusion
Thanks to its Cohesive Polydensified Matrix technology, Belotero enables personalized, safe, and natural treatments. It is an ideal solution for clinics seeking to offer visible results without compromising facial expressiveness.
Sources and References:
- Goldberg DJ, et al. Histologic analysis of dermal filler integration. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2013. 6(4):23–26. PubMed
- Merz Aesthetics Official Site
- Rzany B, et al. Relevance of CPM technology in dermal fillers. Dermatol Surg. 2014.