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What Is Belotero Revive? | A Doctor Explains Its Effects, Cost, Duration, and Downtime
"What is Belotero Revive? How is it different from other treatments like Volite XC?"
"I moisturize diligently every day, yet by evening my skin feels dry and looks dull..."
"My foundation goes powdery, and the fine lines around my mouth are becoming more noticeable."
"I'm looking for a cost-effective treatment that works quickly and lasts a long time."
Do you have any of these questions or concerns?
Hello. This is Smart Skin Clinic, an aesthetic dermatology practice.
As an aesthetic dermatology clinic performing over 20,000 injection-based treatments a year, we offer clear, professional explanations to help address these questions and concerns.
*If you already know what you are looking for, you can jump to the section that interests you from the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What Is Belotero Revive?
Belotero Revive is part of the BELOTERO series of hyaluronic acid preparations developed by the German pharmaceutical company Merz Aesthetics.A skin booster injected directly into the skin (from the deep dermis to the subcutaneous layer).
Hyaluronic acid injections are typically used to fill in wrinkle grooves or reshape the nose and chin. Belotero Revive, however, does not aim to change your features.its primary purpose is to regenerate ("revive") moisture and firmness from within the skinIts main purpose is to
*A skin booster is a general term for treatments that improve the skin's quality itself by delivering active ingredients directly into the skin.
Hydration that is both "fast and long-lasting" from deep within the skin: the two defining features of Belotero Revive
Belotero Revive is drawing attention as a next-generation skin booster thanks to its unique ingredient formulation and patented technology, which create powerful hydration and help maintain it over an extended period.
Feature 1: The dual action of "cross-linked hyaluronic acid" and "glycerol"
The biggest difference from conventional hyaluronic acid preparations is that, in addition to hyaluronic acid, it contains the highly moisturizing ingredient "glycerol (glycerin)." Thissynergy of the two ingredients(dual action) helps rebalance the skin's moisture levels at a fundamental level.
Main Ingredient 1 | "Cross-linked hyaluronic acid," which creates lasting firmness and elasticity
The "non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid" used in conventional treatments such as Water Light Injection is absorbed within a few weeks. Belotero Revive, however, uses hyaluronic acid whose molecules are bonded together."Cross-linked hyaluronic acid" is usedis being provided.
Therefore,It is not easily broken down and remains in the dermal layer for an extended period, creating plump, firm elasticity from within..
Main Ingredient 2 | "Glycerol," which delivers immediate hydration and anti-inflammatory action
Belotero Revive contains a high concentration of glycerol.It not only replenishes moisture in the stratum corneum to prevent evaporation, but also draws moisture up from the dermis to refine the skin's texture.
It also offers "anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant action" that calms skin inflammation and redness, as well as "sebum-regulating action" that balances moisture and oil.
Feature 2: A natural finish thanks to the patented "CPM® Technology"
When hyaluronic acid preparations are injected into the shallow layers of the skin, "bumpiness" (unevenness) can be a concern. Belotero Revive uses the patented "CPM® (Cohesive Polydensified Matrix) technology."
This is a technology in which the gel has a non-uniform, multi-density structure, allowing it to blend into the skin extremely naturally, much like water permeating the fine spaces within the skin tissue. As a result,It delivers a smooth finish with minimal bumpiness, and because it breaks down gradually in the body, its beautiful results are maintained for an extended period..
Benefits You Can Expect from Belotero Revive
By injecting Belotero Revive to address "dryness," the root cause of many skin concerns, you can expect the following multi-faceted improvements in skin quality.
The five main benefits you can expect are:
- Deep hydration and increased moisture levels
- Improved radiance, firmness, and elasticity
- Improvement of fine lines
- Reduced redness and restored barrier function
- Smoother skin and better makeup application
Each is explained in detail below.
Deep hydration and increased moisture levels (improving inner dryness)
Belotero Revivedelivers hyaluronic acid and glycerol directly to the "dermal layer," which is difficult to reach with ordinary skincare (such as lotions)allowing moisture to be retained at the cellular level.
Rather than temporary surface hydration, thishelps improve severe dryness (inner dryness) at its rootguiding your skin toward better condition.
Improved radiance, firmness, and elasticity
As the moisture level in the dermis rises, the layer where collagen and elastin resideThe skin's foundation becomes plump and lifteda risk of cheek hollowing.
As a result,the skin gains firmness, as if being pushed back from withinbringing a natural glow and radiance reminiscent of the "mulgwang (glass) skin" popular in Korea.
The texture becomes refinedThis smooths away surface roughness and dramatically improves how well makeup adheres.
It also helps prevent makeup from breaking down or going powdery by evening.
Improvement of fine lines
The "crepey lines" that form on the epidermis due to dryness, and the "fine lines around the cheeks and mouth" that become more noticeable as the dermis loses elasticity with age.
For such concerns, itfills the skin with moisture from within to gently smooth and lift wrinkle grooves, for a more youthful impressionguiding your skin there.
Reduced redness and restored barrier function
When dryness weakens the barrier function of the stratum corneum, the skin becomes prone to inflammation and redness from even the slightest irritation.
Thanks to glycerol's high water-retention and anti-inflammatory properties,it helps repair the compromised barrier function and brings the skin to a healthy, even-toned condition. It may also help those troubled by chronic skin sensitivity.
Guide to Effects and Duration
- When results become noticeable: from immediately after injection to about 1-2 weeks afterward
- Recommended frequency: 3 sessions at 1-month intervals as initial treatment
- Duration: up to approximately 6-9 months
- Maintenance frequency: about once every six months
Belotero Revive is appealing for its immediacy: hydration from the high concentration of glycerol is easy to feel right after injection, developing into a clear sense of radiance and firmness within 1-2 weeks of treatment.
Of course, you may notice a change in your skin even after a single session. However, for more reliable, fundamental improvement in skin quality, it is ideal to receive "about 3 sessions at 1-month intervals" to build a solid foundation.
Another major advantage is its cost-effectiveness: because the cross-linked hyaluronic acid stays in the dermis, the effect can last for an extended period, up to approximately 6-9 months. To maintain good condition, we recommend regular treatment about once every six months.
Regarding the duration of Belotero Revive's effects, the following study reports significant improvement even at 16 weeks.
"After subjects with dry and very dry skin were injected with a formulation combining hyaluronic acid and glycerol (Belotero Revive), skin hydration was shown to improve for up to nine months after the final injection. Moreover, significant improvement was still confirmed at 16 weeks in the group that received multiple treatments, with 90.7% of subjects reporting that their skin had 'improved' at the 12-week evaluation."
Recommended for
- Those whose skin does not stay hydrated despite skincare and feels dry by evening
- Those concerned about foundation going powdery, or about how makeup applies and lasts
- Those beginning to notice fine lines around the mouth or neck, or dullness
- Those with sensitive skin that develops redness at the slightest irritation or breaks out repeatedly
- Those who want to naturally boost the firmness and radiance of their skin while avoiding unnatural changes to their features
- Those looking for a long-lasting, cost-effective skin booster
Guide to the Number of Units (Injection Volume) Needed by Area
This varies depending on your skin condition and desired result, but a general guide to injection volume is as follows.
- Face (both cheeks, around the chin, etc.): 2-3 units (2-3 cc)
- Neck: 2 units (2 cc)
*Combining multiple areas is also possible.
especiallyIt may help improve the skin quality of the cheeks and chin area, which are prone to dryness and fine lines.It is effective for
Care for the neck, which readily shows signs of age and cannot be disguised with makeupIt is also very well suited to this. It plumps and lifts the horizontal lines on the neck from within, smoothly improving the skin quality of the entire neck.
The treatment areas can be determined in consultation with your physician, based on your concerns and wishes.
Injection Method | Manual injection by a physician
At our clinic, Belotero Revive is administered by "manual injection by a physician."
The greatest advantage of manual injection is that, for each individual patient,the physician can visually assess skin thickness, degree of dryness, and how wrinkles are set, and fine-tune "how much to inject and at what depth"is the key point.
This allows a more direct approach to your concerns than mechanical injection, achieving a more natural and satisfying result.
Which layer is it injected into?
Injectable formulations vary in both their ingredients and intended purposes.
Therefore, it is extremely important to administer each formulation at the appropriate “depth” and “volume” to ensure optimal results.
With Belotero Revive, the primary injection layer is the "deep dermis."
The skin has a layered structure, from the surface inward: the "epidermis," the "dermis" (superficial, middle, and deep layers), the "subcutaneous fat layer," and the "muscle layer," each playing a different role. The deep dermis lies at the deepest part of the dermis and is the layer that forms the skin's foundation, supporting its structure and elasticity.
The deep dermis is the layer where Belotero Revive's ingredients and intended effects can be delivered most effectively, and this is the medical rationale behind our clinic's practice of injecting this product into that layer.
Smart Skin Clinic's Belotero Revive: among the lowest prices in Japan
| Menu | Campaign Price |
|---|---|
| 1 bottle | 46,800 yen |
| Monitor 1 vial | 39,800 yen |
*All prices include tax.
*We offer self-pay (non-insured) treatments only; insurance does not apply.
How painful is Belotero Revive? Is anesthesia necessary?
Because Belotero Revive is injected using an ultra-fine needle,the pain is no more than a slight "pinch".
In principle, itcan be performed without anesthesiaFor those who are sensitive to pain or feel anxious, we also offer optional topical anesthesia (numbing cream) for an additional fee.
Downtime and Risks of Belotero Revive
Downtime is relatively minimal for this treatment, but the following reactions may occur.
- Symptoms: redness, swelling, bumpiness, bruising
- Duration: a few days
Small welts (bumps) and mild to moderate redness may appear immediately after injection, but thanks to how well the patented technology blends in, they usually become barely noticeable within a few hours to the next day.
Because a needle is used, spot-like yellow to purple bruising may rarely occur, but it can be concealed with concealer or other makeup and typically fades within about a week.
Side Effects and Risks You Should Know About
[Symptoms that may occur in extremely rare cases]
- Severe pain
- Vascular occlusion
- Allergic reaction or infection
- Induration (lumps)
Severe pain (unbearable pain)
This is not the usual "pinch" or mild dull ache, but severe pain that occurs during or after injection.
It may be a sign of contact with a nerve, or of the vascular problems described below.
Vascular occlusion
This is the most important risk to be aware of in injection treatments. It is a condition in which the product accidentally enters a blood vessel or compresses one, blocking blood flow. If left untreated, it can lead to skin necrosis, so immediate treatment to dissolve the hyaluronic acid is required.
*At our clinic, physicians well versed in facial anatomy minimize this risk by injecting carefully by hand while avoiding blood vessels.
Allergy
Hyaluronic acid and glycerol are highly safe ingredients, but in rare cases some individuals may have a hypersensitivity reaction (severe swelling, redness, intense itching, etc.) to trace additives in the formulation.
Please note that those allergic to hyaluronic acid cannot undergo this treatment.
Infection
This is a condition in which bacteria enter through the needle puncture and cause inflammation. If redness, warmth, or swelling does not subside after several days, or worsens, treatment such as oral antibiotics may be necessary.
Induration (lumps)
This is a condition in which the injected product does not blend well into the tissue and clumps in one spot, or a capsule forms around it depending on the individual, creating a hard "lump" that can be felt beneath the skin.
We take every precaution regarding safety, but in the unlikely event thatyou notice any abnormality after treatment, such as "pain that keeps getting worse," "unnatural whitening or a purplish color," or "a feeling of heat," never leave it unattended, and contact our clinic immediately.
We will promptly provide appropriate treatment (such as a dissolving injection or a prescription for oral medication).
How to Minimize Downtime and Precautions
[Points for post-treatment care and aftercare]
- Face washing, makeup, and skincare: possible from the next day
- What to avoid: sauna, long baths, strenuous exercise, excessive alcohol, massage, strong friction, scrubs, peeling, etc. (for 1 week after treatment)
- Recommended care: frequent moisturizing, thorough UV protection, adequate sleep and nutrition
Face washing, makeup, and skincare from "the next day"
On the day of treatment, your skin is in a delicate state, with countless invisible needle punctures. To prevent bacteria from entering, please wait until the next day to wash your face and apply makeup or skincare. From the next day onward, you can use your usual makeup to cover any redness or bruising you may be concerned about.
Avoid activities that increase blood flow, as well as "heat"
For about a week after treatment, please refrain from "activities that warm the body," such as saunas, hot-stone baths, prolonged hot baths, strenuous exercise (jogging, etc.), and excessive alcohol.Please refrain from "warming the body".
A rise in body temperature and increased blood flow can cause redness, swelling, and bruising to linger or worsen.
Pause "strong stimulation" such as friction and peeling
For a few days to about a week, until the needle punctures have closed and the skin has fully settled,please avoid massaging or applying strong friction to the treatment area.
Also, take a break from care that gives the skin strong physical or chemical stimulation, such as at-home scrub cleansing, skincare containing peeling ingredients (acids), and esthetic or peeling treatments at other clinics.
"Recommended care" to shorten downtime
To minimize downtime and get the most out of Belotero Revive,at-home care is very important.
To protect your sensitive skin after treatment, please moisturize frequently and take thorough UV protection (using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher). In addition, getting adequate sleep and nutrition enhances your skin's ability to recover, allowing you to experience beautiful results sooner.
Comparing Belotero Revive with Other Skin-Quality Treatments
There are other hydration-focused treatments. For those wondering "How is it different from electroporation or Volite?", here is a summary of the differences.
| Item | Belotero Revive | Electroporation | Juvederm Volite XC |
| How the treatment works | Manual injection by a physician | Electroporation using a device (needle-free) | Manual injection by a physician |
| Main ingredient | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid + glycerol | Via delivery agents (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, etc.) | Cross-linked hyaluronic acid |
| Greatest strength | Deep hydration, redness improvement, immediate effect | Pain-free, no downtime, hydration of the epidermis to the shallow dermis | Long-term hydration and skin-quality improvement |
| Duration | Up to approximately 6-9 months | A few weeks to about a month | Approximately 9 months |
| Pain | A slight pinch | Pain-free | A slight pinch |
| Downtime | A few days; bruising 1-2 weeks | No downtime | A few days; bruising 1-2 weeks |
Difference from electroporation
Electroporation uses electrical energy to deliver beauty ingredients without a needle, making it suitable for those who "absolutely want to avoid pain" or "cannot afford downtime." However, there are limits to how deeply the ingredients can reach and how long the effect lasts.
If you are seeking "deeper, longer-lasting, reliable hydration," Belotero Revive, injected directly into the dermis, is by far the recommended choice.
Difference from Juvederm Volite XC (cross-linked hyaluronic acid)
Volite XC specializes in "maintaining hydration over the long term" through the power of cross-linked hyaluronic acid. It is chosen by those drawn to its effectiveness as well as the reliability of the Allergan brand.
On the other hand,Belotero Revive, through the dual effect of "low-cross-linked hyaluronic acid + glycerol," offers immediacy right after injectionand the added benefit of reducing redness and inflammation, which are the major differences.
Recommended Combination Treatments
Belotero Revive delivers wonderful results on its own, but combining it with treatments that address different concerns through different approaches can produce even greater synergy.
Here are the combinations we recommend, as a clinic performing over 10,000 injections per year.
Botox injections (preventing expression lines + boosting the skin's foundation)
Recommended for: those who also want to improve deep wrinkles on the forehead, between the brows, and at the corners of the eyes
Expression lines, created by muscle movements such as smiling or furrowing the brow, are most effectively addressed by stopping that movement with Botox injections.
However, Botox cannot correct fine lines that are already etched in, nor the dryness and lack of firmness of the skin itself.
By using "Botox" to suppress muscle movement while using "Belotero Revive" to give the shallow layer of skin (the dermis) plump moisture and firmness, you can comprehensively create a smooth, wrinkle-free, youthful face.
For more on Botox injections, please also see the following article.
Photofacial (improving spots and uneven tone + thorough hydration and soothing) *Jimbocho Clinic only
Recommended for: those who want to fade spots and freckles while achieving luminous, radiant skin
Photofacial (IPL) is a popular treatment that uses light energy to improve spots and dullness and brighten skin tone. One concern, however, is that the skin can become temporarily prone to dryness after treatment.
Combining it with Belotero Revive not only prevents post-photofacial dryness from within, but also quickly soothes skin damage and redness thanks to glycerol's anti-inflammatory action.
For more on photofacials, please also see the following article.
Peeling treatments (promoting turnover + deep hydration)
Recommended for: those concerned about dullness, roughness, or clogged pores
"Chemical peels" and "massage peels" remove old dead skin cells from the surface and help normalize skin turnover.
With surface roughness removed and the foundation beautifully prepared, filling the deeper skin (the dermis) with moisture from Belotero Revive brings out remarkable clarity and smoothness.
*When treatments are performed on the same day, for safety we always "peel first," fully removing the peeling agent before injecting Belotero Revive.
Treatment Flow
You can easily book from your smartphone.
A smart, effortless check-in: just give your name and our clinic IT system completes reception right away.
During counseling, please feel free to share any concerns. Rest assured, there is no pushy sales.
We perform the injection while chatting with you.
We explain in detail how to care for the treated area and what to keep in mind in daily life. From a prevention and maintenance standpoint, we also suggest suitable home care, such as oral medications and skincare products that can support improvement of your concerns.
FAQ
- Are there any downsides or side effects to Belotero Revive?
-
Serious side effects are extremely rare. However, because the treatment involves needle insertion, bruising, redness, swelling, and mild pain may occur for a few days.
- When can I start wearing makeup and washing my face after the treatment?
-
You can wear makeup and wash your face from the day after treatment. On the day itself, please keep the area clean to prevent bacteria from entering through the needle punctures.
- Can I have it on the same day as other cosmetic procedures?
-
It can be combined with many procedures, though this depends on the treatment area and details. Some combinations may even produce synergistic effects, so please discuss this with us during your consultation.
Details
| Treatment Time | About 30 to 40 minutes (not including counseling) |
| Recommended Number & Frequency of Treatments | Performed about 3 times at roughly one-month intervals. After that, maintenance about once every six months is recommended. |
| Downtime | About 2 to 3 days |
| Treatment on the day of counseling | Available |
| Makeup | Possible from the next day |
| Skincare | Possible from the next day (allow about 12 hours) |
| Shower | Possible from the same day |
| Pain | A slight pricking sensation when the needle is inserted. |
*Results vary from person to person.
[Legal Notices]
Treatment may include procedures using drugs or medical devices not approved in Japan. Any such drugs and devices are obtained through personal importation at the discretion of our physicians.
Please refer to this page for information on medications and similar items that require caution in personal importation.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Medications and Similar Items That Require Caution in Personal Importation."
For Belotero Revive, choose Smart Skin Clinic
Belotero Revive is a skin booster that regenerates moisture and firmness from deep within the skin through two ingredients: cross-linked hyaluronic acid and glycerol.
In addition to its immediacy right after injection, its effects can last for an extended period, up to 6-9 months, making it an excellent, cost-effective treatment.
If you are troubled by thoughts like "I've tried all kinds of skincare but my dryness won't improve" or "I want both immediate and lasting results," please come in for a free consultation at our clinic.
We will propose the plan best suited to your skin.
Reference
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.