There are several things that make injectable dermal fillers a worthwhile investment for facial rejuvenation. As a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure, they’re safe with minimal side effects and can provide instantaneous results. But like most non-surgical aesthetic treatments, its effects aren’t permanent and will gradually fade as the injectable filler dissolves.
So what’s the average expected duration of dermal filler results? Facial filler treatments can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months depending on the material used and the amount of dosage injected. There are also semi-permanent fillers that can last for up to 2 years due to their ability to stimulate collagen production. You can receive regular maintenance treatment sessions to continue enjoying the effects of the fillers.
Injectables for Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenation: How Long Do Dermal Fillers Really Last?
With injectable fillers, combating the signs of facial aging and volume loss has never been easier and more convenient. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal filler procedures are one of the top cosmetic treatments requested by patients. It’s especially popular among individuals aged 31 to 45, as well as young adults under the age of 30 who want to minimize the early symptoms of aging.
One reason why people love dermal fillers is that there are minimal risks involved. The procedure is also less intimidating than facial plastic surgery and doesn’t require you to go under the knife. They can help address a variety of cosmetic concerns like moderate to severe facial wrinkles, tear trough deformity, acne scars, thinning lips, sunken cheeks, and weak jawline.
But although this cosmetic injection can provide amazing improvements, its effects aren’t as long-lasting as the results of plastic surgery. Several studies have identified the three classifications of dermal fillers based on the longevity of their results:
- Temporary fillers – Provide results that last for up to 6 months
- Semi-permanent fillers – Provide results that can last from 2 to 3 years
- Permanent fillers – Provide results for more than 3 years
Which Type of Dermal Filler Tend to Last The Longest?
There are different dermal fillers that can be used for cosmetic enhancement. Your provider will choose which type of dermal filler product to inject depending on your specific concerns and desired goals. Here are the common types of face fillers, its uses, and its average longevity:
| Type of filler | Dermal filler longevity | Uses | |
| Juvederm Voluma XC | Temporary filler | About 6 to 24 months | For volumizing and lifting areas with contour deficiencies |
| Juvederm Ultra XC | Temporary filler | About 6 to 12 months | For treatment of wrinkles and lines around the mouth and augmenting thin lips |
| Juvederm Volbella XC | Temporary filler | About 6 to 18 months | For plumping lips, reducing vertical lip lines and wrinkles, and correcting under eye hollows and dark circles |
| Juvederm Vollure XC | Temporary filler | About 6 to 18 months | For smoothing moderate to severe wrinkles and treating nasolabial folds |
| Juvederm Ultra Plus XC | Temporary filler | About 6 to 12 months | For filling in wrinkles and lines and contouring and shaping areas with volume loss |
| Restylane Silk | Temporary filler | About 6 to 18 months | For lip enhancement |
| Restylane Lyft | Temporary filler | About 6 to 9 months | For cheek lifting, anti-wrinkle treatment, and hand rejuvenation |
| Restylane Refyne/Defyne | Temporary filler | Up to 12 months | For moderate to deep expression lines around the mouth |
| Radiesse | Semi-permanent filler | About 15 to 18 months | For correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and restoring facial volume |
| Sculptra | Semi-permanent filler | Up to 2 years | For replenishing volume and correcting nasolabial fold deficiencies and other deep wrinkles |
Are There Dermal Fillers That Last 2 Years and More?
Sculptra is one of the longer-lasting fillers that can provide improvements that can last for up to 24 months. This cosmetic injection is actually a collagen stimulator and its results show up gradually as it helps boost your production of new elastin fibers and other essential skin proteins. With its biostimulatory effects, this treatment can provide continuous improvements and lasting effects for skin rejuvenation.
In one study, patients who received Sculptra dermal fillers had a high level of satisfaction and enjoyed results that lasted for up to 25 months after their last injection. Another study reported that the injectable had a high efficacy for restoring volume and recorded a significant 96% patient satisfaction rate.
If you want results that last for more than 2 years, you might want to consider Bellafill. This FDA-approved dermal filler has been clinically studied for wrinkle treatment and it has shown improvements that can last for up to 5 years.
This permanent filler is made of bovine collagen with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres and it works by restoring structural support to the skin and stimulating collagen production. According to a study, at least 87% of patients who received Bellafill injections for nasolabial fold treatment remained happy with their results after 5 years.
Why Are Dermal Fillers Duration Only Temporary?
There’s no guarantee that cosmetic injection can completely get rid of the signs of aging or make your face look youthful forever. With dermal fillers and other injectables, like Botox cosmetics, they’ll only conceal the appearance of facial wrinkles and lines and restore temporary volume to hollow areas of the face.
One important factor that affects your dermal filler longevity is its formulation. Most injectable fillers today are made of naturally occurring substances, such as hyaluronic acid (Juvederm and Restylane), and they dissolve more easily than other materials (Radiesse, Sculptra, and Bellafill).
The dermal filler’s thickness and viscosity also contribute to its longevity. The majority of hyaluronic acid filler products have a smooth consistency, which is why it doesn’t last as long as cosmetic injectables with firmer and denser textures.
Over time, your body will metabolize the soft HA filler and as its effects wear off, some of the pre-treatment wrinkles and fine lines will eventually re-appear. It’s normal for a few creases and folds to become visible again once the fillers dissolve. There’s no need to worry about your skin looking worse than before as soon as the injectables wear off since you’ll only return to your baseline condition.
Other Factors That Affect Dermal Filler Longevity
In addition to the material of facial filler injections, there are other factors that can affect the duration of your results. Here are the other considerations that can influence your dermal filler longevity.
1) Treatment area
One of the common factors that can affect the life of your dermal filler is its location. Injectables that are placed in areas that are prone to more facial movement are likely to break down more easily compared to areas that are less mobile. Additionally, dermal fillers that are injected superficially or close to the skin surface may quickly dissolve than those that are placed deep into the skin.
Here’s an overview of the average dermal filler longevity per treatment area:
- Cheeks – About 6 to 18 months
- Under the eyes – About 6 to 12 months
- Lips – Up to 12 months
- Marionette lines and nasolabial folds – Up to 12 months
- Chin – About 12 to 24 months
- Jawline – About 12 to 18 months
2) Amount of filler injected
The specific dosage placed per treatment site can also influence your dermal filler results. If you received small dose injections (0.5ml to 1ml of filler or 1 syringe), its effects won’t last as long compared to having larger doses (about 2ml or 2 to 3 syringes). The frequency of injections in a specific treatment area may also affect its longevity. You may notice long-lasting results if you regularly receive touch-up injections in the same area.
3) Your metabolism and level of physical activity
Patients with a high metabolism may also experience shorter results with their fillers as their body absorbs the injectable material more quickly. Your muscle mass is also believed to play a role in how long your injectable results last.
Those with more muscle mass and high metabolism also tend to be more physically active which can cause their body to process their fillers faster. This is one reason why patients are advised to avoid exercise for several hours after injections. Too much movement right after the procedure may cause filler migration and interfere with its intended results.
4) Your lifestyle
If you’re a frequent smoker, you may notice your lip filler injections dissolving more quickly due to the constant movement of the muscles around your mouth. Your diet may also affect your dermal filler results since certain foods can increase inflammation and decrease the effects of your injections. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to a faster breakdown of fillers and cause their results to disappear more quickly.
5) Injector experience
The efficiency of your dermal filler treatment and the quality of its results are also greatly determined by the level of expertise of your provider. You can see longer-lasting improvements when you work with a highly-qualified and trained injector since they have more substantial knowledge of facial anatomy and proper dermal filler techniques.
How Long After Your Dermal Fillers Result Fade Can You Get Another Injection?
You can discuss with your provider about getting follow-up treatments as soon as you notice your dermal fillers starting to fade. Some patients even receive additional injections immediately after their first treatment if they want more volume. In these cases, they’ll just wait for around 2 weeks for the initial swelling to subside before getting another injection.
Tips to Make the Results of Your Dermal Fillers Last
Although it’s inevitable for cosmetic fillers to dissolve, there are a couple of things that you can do to enhance and prolong their results. Here are some of the best aftercare practices that can help extend your dermal filler longevity:
- Refrain from massaging, touching, or putting any kind of pressure on the treated area to avoid the breakdown of injectable fillers.
- Maintain a proper skincare routine and use products that can help improve your skin quality.
- Limit your sun exposure and if you’re going out, always wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the UV rays.
- Drink plenty of water after the treatment to support the skin-hydrating and moisturizing effects of hyaluronic acid fillers.
- Stick to the customized treatment plan provided by your injector and get your regular touch-ups.
Get Long-Lasting and Beautiful Dermal Filler Results at Ethos Spa
Dermal filler injections are a great way to add volume and reduce prominent wrinkles and fine lines. As a cosmetic procedure, its effects are temporary but with its skin moisturizing and collagen-producing abilities, you may continue to see improvements in your overall skin quality and appearance even after the material has worn off.
Ethos Spa is a premier medical spa that offers specialized dermal filler treatments for complete facial rejuvenation. Our team has extensive experience in administering injectables like Restylane and Juvederm for wrinkles and volume correction. We also provide other procedures such as laser hair removal, body contouring, and chemical peels. Call us today to learn more about our services or book your dermal filler consultation.
