Dermal fillers are a family of non-surgical cosmetic treatments selected to help restore volume, smooth out wrinkles, and generally enhance facial features. Manufactured from hyaluronic acid or other active ingredients, including collagen, these injectable treatments have become very popular for plumping the lips, softening fine lines, and adding fullness to the cheeks or under-eye areas.
This is because such beauty treatments offer natural, fresh results without the invasive release of surgical interventions. However, the duration of action of a dermal filler depends on various factors, which we will discuss in this blog.
What Do Dermal Facial Fillers Do?
As you age, your skin loses some elasticity, and your face’s muscles and fat thin out. These changes might make your skin more wrinkled and less smooth and full. Dermal fillers are one type of wrinkle filler that may help to smooth lines, restore volume, and plump the skin.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery defines dermal fillers as gel-like substances placed under the skin by a doctor, using hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. Most injections are minimally invasive and require little to no recovery time.
How Long Do the Dermal Filler Results Typically Last?
Although other factors do contribute to the longevity of a dermal filler treatment, the ingredients within the filler itself are what ensure its durability.
- Hyaluronic acid fillers: These hydrophilic gel fillers produce immediate volume to fill in minor lines, major wrinkles, and deep facial folds. Since HA provides moisture to your skin, these fillers have a relatively long-lasting effectiveness, usually between 6 months and 18 months. JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Revanesse, and Belotero® products are some of the well-known fillers based on HA.
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) fillers: CaHA fillers, such as Radiesse ®, may last up to a year. The filler’s ability to stimulate collagen production, helping the skin feel and appear more supple and firm, may prolong the results.
- Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers: PLLA-based stimulants, like Sculptra®, may generally be effective for two years, strengthening the underlying skin structure by building up the new collagen.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers: The PMMA fillers, otherwise more commonly referred to as Bellafill®, are the longest-lasting biostimulators that smoothen nasolabial folds and reduce acne scars on the cheeks from moderate to severe for as long as five years.
What Factors Affect the Longevity of Fillers?
This question is tricky because it depends on several factors, including the type of filler, the area treated, and the patient’s metabolism.
Type of Filler
The longevity of a filler varies by type. For instance, a hyaluronic acid filler like Restylane can last 9-12 months, while Sculptra, a biostimulatory filler, can last up to 2 years. Other biostimulatory fillers include Radiesse and Bellafill.
Patient Lifestyle
The patient’s lifestyle can also affect how long the dermal fillers last. Some habits, including smoking and too much exposure to the sun, speed up the process of breaking down fillers. Bad skincare or following an unhealthy diet will do a little more damage to the results. A healthy lifestyle, entailing a proper diet, exercise routine, and good skincare, would help sustain the fillers.
Particle Size
Among hyaluronic acid fillers, larger particles like Restylane Lyft last longer than smaller ones like Restylane Silk. This is because smaller particles have more surface area exposed to breakdown. Restylane Lyft typically lasts 9-12 months, while Restylane Silk lasts 4-6 months.
Cross-linking and HA Concentration
The technology used to create fillers impacts their longevity. Generally, fillers with higher cross-linking and higher concentrations of hyaluronic acid last longer. Different technologies include:
– NASHA (Restylane products)
– XpresHAn (Restylane Refyne and Defyne)
– Vycross (Juvederm products)
– Hylacross (Juvederm Ultra products)
Area Treated
Where the filler is injected also affects its duration. Fillers in the under eyes last longer than those in the lips. Areas like the temples and under eyes generally hold filler the longest, while the lips tend to have the shortest duration due to their frequent movement. Here’s a ranking of areas by how long fillers last, from longest to shortest:
1. Temples
2. Under eyes
3. Cheeks, nasolabial folds, chin, jawline
4. Marionette lines
5. Lips
Individual Differences
Each patient metabolizes fillers differently. For example, Restylane Defyne might last 9 months for one person and 12 months for another. Most patients get filler treatments every 9-12 months, except for lips, which typically need maintenance every 6-9 months.
Amount of Filler Used
The amount of filler injected also matters. For example, using two syringes of Restylane Lyft in the cheeks will yield longer-lasting results than using one syringe. Regular treatments can also improve longevity. For instance, first-time lip treatments may last 4-6 months, but ongoing treatments can extend.
Which Filler is the Right One for You?
Choosing the right dermal filler is a decision you and your doctor will make. Before your appointment, take time to research and write down any questions. Check the list of approved dermal fillers from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including unapproved fillers sold online.
The key decision is whether you want a reversible or a permanent filler. Once you know what you prefer, think about where you want the injection and the look you want, subtle or dramatic. These factors will help you narrow down your options.
For the best results, consult a certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. They can guide you on which filler suits your needs and explain their differences. Some fillers work better for smoothing skin under the eyes, while others are ideal for plumping lips or cheeks.
Increase the Longevity of Your Fillers
As with any aesthetic treatment, the longevity of facial fillers will depend on various factors, including your lifestyle and health. Here are three ways to help your fillers last longer:
Follow a Skin Care Routine
Follow a post-filler skincare routine that uses high-quality, medical-grade skin care products to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Utilize these products both in the morning and at night, or as instructed by your esthetician.
Live Healthy
If you smoke, quit smoking at least two weeks before your treatment and avoid starting again afterward. Follow a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients and incorporate regular exercise to promote healthy blood circulation in your skin. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your skin nourished and well-hydrated.
Protect Your Skin
Your skin needs protection to keep the results looking good. Apply sunscreen every day with SPF 30 or higher, whether the weather is bad or good. The sun can degrade the collagen and hyaluronic acid in your skin, causing fillers to fade much faster than you could have predicted.
Conclusion
Dermal fillers offer a versatile and effective way to enhance your appearance. Depending on various factors, such as the type of filler, treatment area, and individual lifestyle, the results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
While dermal fillers’ longevity can differ, proper care and maintenance can help extend their effects. At Vancouver Laser, we specialize in providing personalized, high-quality dermal filler treatments that deliver beautiful, natural-looking results and ensure your enhancements last as long as possible.
Book a consultation with Vancouver Laser today and let our expert team guide you through the best options for achieving lasting confidence and radiance.
FAQs
1. What happens when dermal fillers wear off?
Over time, your body naturally absorbs the filler material, causing the treated areas to deflate.
2. Will my face ever go back to normal after fillers?
Yes, once the filler naturally wears off, your face will return to its normal appearance. If the filler was used to smooth wrinkles, those wrinkles will gradually reappear, and areas that were enhanced for volume will lose the added fullness.
3. How many years can fillers take off your face?
Dermal fillers can help you look 5 to 10 years younger by smoothing out wrinkles and restoring lost volume in the skin. They provide a quick and effective way to give your face a more youthful appearance.
