How Long Do Fillers Last?

Maybe you’ve taken the plunge and opted for dermal fillers, but now are wondering—how long will this youthful plumpness and smooth skin actually last? Or perhaps you’re trying to figure out if a particular filler brand justifies its price tag. In either case, understanding the lifespan of dermal fillers is crucial for setting realistic expectations. 

Understanding Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are substances injected under the skin to correct volume loss, enhance facial contours and provide overall rejuvenation. Compared to more invasive procedures like plastic surgery or thread lifts, fillers require minimal downtime and provide almost immediate results.

Some indications for this popular cosmetic treatment are:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
• Smile lines
• Vertical lip lines
• Lip, cheek, chin and jawline augmentation

Depending on the quantity and type of filler used, results can range from subtle, natural results to more dramatic changes.

Factors Influencing the Longevity of Fillers

The longevity of your facial filler treatment depends on several elements:

• Type of filler: From hyaluronic acid and collagen to synthetic materials like calcium hydroxylapatite, the substance used can greatly impact how long the filler results last.

• Injection area: Fillers used in areas of the face with more movement, such as the lips, tend to wear off more quickly.
• Individual metabolism: How quickly your body metabolizes the filler can affect its lifespan. Some people’s bodies naturally absorb filler more quickly than others.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Whether you’re thinking about getting dermal fillers or you’ve already committed to the cause, the next big question lingering in your mind is likely about how long you can rock that youthful glow and those softened lines. The longevity of your fillers isn’t just a matter of curiosity—it’s essential intel for planning out your beauty and skin care regimen.

Let’s dig into the lifespan of different types of fillers, explore some popular brands and find out what affects their staying power.

Hyaluronic acid fillers 

This category is the darling of the filler world, boasting popular brands like Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero. Each brand has its own set of specialized formulations designed for different areas of the face. 

Treatment area	Product	Maximum longevity
Lips	Juvederm Volbella XCJuvederm Ultra XCRestylane Kysse	1 year
Lip lines	Restylane Silk	1 year
Cheeks	Juvederm Voluma XC	2 years
	SkinVive by Juvederm	6 months
	Restylane Contour	1 year
Chin	Juvederm Voluma XC	1 year
Tear trough and under eye area	Restylane Eyelight	18 months
Nasolabial folds, smile lines, lines around nose and mouth	Juvederm Vollure XCJuvederm Ultra Plus XC	18 months
	Restylane DefyneRestylane Refyne	1 year
Jawline	Juvederm Volux XC	1 year
Hands	Restylane Lift	6 months

Synthetic Fillers

Welcome to the world of synthetic fillers, where your skin is not just filled, but also stimulated to produce more collagen. 

Sculptra, made from poly-L-lactic acid, makes your skin work for its youth, triggering collagen production. It’s a long game, with results that can endure for more than two years. 

Radiesse contains calcium hydroxylapatite and is a popular choice for enhancing the jawline and cheeks. It also has a long lifespan, ranging from 1–2 years or even longer in some cases.

Bellafill is ostensibly the most long-lasting of the synthetic fillers. It contains polymethyl methylate (PMMA) microspheres that stay permanently in your skin, continuing to support collagen production.

How Long Do Cheek Fillers Last?

Cheek fillers are among the most long-lasting dermal filler treatments, typically staying put for 1–2 years. 

A new microdroplet filler from Allergan, SkinVive by Juvederm, is unique in that it’s designed to smooth out the skin without actually adding volume, creating a more natural look. SkinVive results last up to 6 months.

How Long Do Lip Fillers Last?

Because we’re constantly moving the muscles around our mouth, lip filler is absorbed more quickly into the body–although new developments in hyaluronic acid technology have vastly improved the longevity of HA fillers for lips compared to the recent past. Whether you’ve augmented your lips for a plumper pout, or are simply filling in lip lines, a year is the longest time you can expect your filler to stay.

How Long Does it Take for Fillers to Work?

In our fast-paced world, we all want quick results–so you might be wondering just how fast you can start enjoying your rejuvenated appearance. The answer varies depending on the type of filler and the area being treated, but let’s break it down.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: You’re in luck if you opt for hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm or Restylane. The effects are often immediate, giving you instant gratification. You’ll leave your appointment with visibly plumper skin. However, keep in mind that it may take a few days for any swelling or bruising to subside, revealing the final result.

Synthetic Fillers: For fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse, patience is key. These fillers stimulate your skin to produce its own collagen, so the results are more gradual. You’ll start to see noticeable changes after a few weeks, but it can take several months for the full effects to kick in.

Regardless of the type of filler you choose, a follow-up appointment is often recommended to assess the results and determine if any adjustments are needed. Sometimes a touch-up is necessary to achieve your desired look, especially with fillers that show more gradual results.

What if I Don’t Like My Results?

So you took the plunge, got those fillers, and now you’re not thrilled with the mirror staring back at you. First off, don’t panic. Thankfully, the flexibility of today’s fillers gives you a safety net if you’re not loving your new look.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: One of the advantages of opting for a hyaluronic acid filler like Juvederm or Restylane is that they are reversible. If you’re not happy with how things turned out, a simple injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler, essentially hitting the undo button on your treatment.

Synthetic Fillers: Sculptra and Radiesse are not as easily reversible. However, any unevenness or asymmetry can be potentially fixed by adding more temporary filler. 

Regardless of the filler type, if you’re unhappy with the results, the best first step is to return to your medical spa or dermatologist to discuss your options. Sometimes minor adjustments can be made that significantly improve the outcome.

How to Prolong the Effects of Fillers

If you’re happy with your filler results and want to extend the benefits, here are some tips:

• Good skin care practices: Regular skin care, including proper hydration and sun protection, can prolong filler effects. Consult a dermatologist for a regimen that boosts collagen production and maintains skin health.
• Regular touch-ups: Scheduling regular touch-ups can help maintain the filler’s effects. The frequency of these touch-ups will depend on the type of filler used and your specific needs.
• Lifestyle factors: Although diet and exercise don’t actually make your fillers last longer,  healthy food choices will boost the overall look of your skin and help you feel your best. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, maintain an active lifestyle, and don’t forget to hydrate.

Can Getting Botox Prolong My Results?

The idea that Botox could extend the longevity of dermal fillers is a subject of interest within the aesthetic medicine community. Botox, another popular injectable treatment, temporarily paralyzes muscles, preventing them from contracting and thereby reducing the dynamic wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements like frowning or smiling.

The theory behind using Botox to extend the life of fillers is related to movement. Botox reduces the muscle contractions that can cause dermal fillers to break down more quickly. In areas like the forehead or around the eyes, where both dynamic and static wrinkles occur, using Botox alongside fillers might offer a more lasting result.

Limited research suggests that the combination of Botox and fillers could potentially make the filler last longer, but conclusive, large-scale studies are lacking. However, it’s a common practice in the field to use both in tandem for a more holistic approach to facial rejuvenation.

Are Dermal Fillers Safe?

Safety is a top concern when considering any cosmetic procedure. For dermal filler injections, the short answer is yes, they’re generally safe. All the major filler brands are FDA approved, which is a strong indicator of their safety profile when used correctly. Side effects are generally minimal and include temporary bruising, redness and swelling.

The skill level of the person administering the filler is crucial. Always opt for a qualified medical professional, such as a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon or medical aesthetician. Choose a provider who’s experienced in facial anatomy and dermal filler techniques. 

Your individual medical history also plays a role. Certain conditions or medications can increase your risk of complications. Always provide a full medical history to your healthcare provider.

Finally, following the proper aftercare steps as advised by your healthcare provider will also influence the safety and success of the treatment. Neglecting this can lead to unnecessary complications.

Takeaway: Understanding the Lifespan of Dermal Fillers

The longevity of your filler results depends on three main factors: the type of filler used, the treatment area, and your metabolism. 

Filler lifespans range from 6 months to more than two years. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are popular, but generally have a shorter lifespan; whereas synthetic fillers like Sculptra and Bellafill can last significantly longer.

The area of the face where the filler is applied also influences how long it will last. Typically, fillers in high-movement areas like the lips wear off more quickly.

All major brands of dermal fillers are FDA-approved and considered safe when administered by qualified medical professionals. However, individual medical history and the skill level of the injector are essential factors in ensuring a safe and successful treatment.

If you are dissatisfied with your results, the good news is that some of today’s fillers are adjustable. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be easily dissolved and synthetic fillers can often be adjusted.

By understanding these factors, you can set realistic expectations and make an informed decision about whether dermal fillers are right for you. It’s not just about immediate results, but also about how to sustain your rejuvenated look over time.