One of the top questions we receive from patients seeking the benefits of injectables is, “How long do facial fillers last?”
And it’s a great question. After all, we know that dermal filler injections are not permanent. And though they do last for a long time, most patients will need revision dermal filler by the one-year mark.
So, exactly how long does each filler last on average? It depends. Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of dermal fillers and hopefully give you a better idea of how long you can expect to benefit from your injections after your procedure.
How Long Do Facial Fillers Last? Every Filler Is Different
Typically, cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists will tell you that most dermal fillers last anywhere from six to twelve months. Some may last up to 18 months. But wait, there’s more.
Every dermal filler is unique, and different types of facial fillers will last for different amounts of time. In other words, each one has a different thickness and other qualities that make it unique to the target area(s) it is meant to treat.
Lip fillers have a different makeup from fillers made for acne scars or facial wrinkles, for example. Ultimately, whether it is a lip filler or a facial filler, dermal filler longevity in general depends on the unique makeup of the filler itself as well as other factors such as the patient’s:
- Body and/or facial skin structure
- Body and/or facial skin quality
- Fat distribution
- Metabolism
- Smoking status
- Overall health
- Frequency of movement (how often the treated area moves throughout the day)
Thin vs. Thick Dermal Fillers
Facial balancing with fillers requires your surgeon to determine exactly what your major concerns are and which dermal fillers will meet each of your needs. In terms of longevity, fillers fall into two major categories: thin and thick.
Thin Dermal Fillers
Thinner fillers will usually last for the least amount of time. However, these types of fillers are necessary for areas on the face where we need to have flexible movement — around the mouth and near the delicate skin of the eyes, for example. Because these areas are constantly in motion, however, the filler often breaks down faster, requiring more frequent filler visits.
Thick Dermal Fillers
Thicker dermal fillers tend to be used when a loss of support and structure is seen. This can happen around the temple and forehead area, for instance. Sometimes, thicker fillers are used to add volume and support to the cheeks as well.
Today, certain thicker fillers can last as long as two years. On average, most last for around one year max.
So, How Often Should You Get Facial Fillers?
It really depends on how long the specific filler(s) you want will last and how frequently you would like to visit your cosmetic surgeon for a filler appointment.
Some patients may get regular injections of popular dermal fillers, but they simply don’t want to go in for an appointment every six months. They may wait, then, until a full year has lapsed — even if that means their fillers have stopped working for a few months.
Other dermal fillers patients are diligent about re-upping their filler injections as soon as they need touch ups treatments. Keep in mind that these timeframes can vary as well.
You may have your fillers last for six months after one session, and after the next session, they may last for eight months. You can either choose to schedule multiple treatments all ahead of time no matter what or just keep an eye on your skin and make an appointment whenever necessary.
What Happens to Your Face When Fillers Wear Off
Does Your Face Go Back to Normal After Fillers?
Yes, for the most part, your face will return to “normal”. After the filler material has been broken down by your body, your wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of volume will reappear.
Fortunately, you can always undergo an additional treatment of dermal fillers and/or Botox & Dysport to regain those natural results again. See our facial fillers before and after photos for examples of how these products can naturally improve a person’s appearance.
FAQ: Dermal Fillers
What are the side effects of fillers?
All injectable dermal fillers can have varying side effects. Furthermore, each patient may react differently to each filler. Some patients have no adverse reactions. Overall, bruising, swelling, soreness and tenderness, swelling, and possible itching are the most common side effects after getting facial fillers.
How much do dermal filler injections cost?
Typically, facial fillers cost around $1,000 or more per session. The cost of one syringe of dermal filler starts at $750, but all fillers cost a different amount.
Hyaluronic acid usually costs less than poly l lactic acid, for example. But some patients may not require hyaluronic acid and may need to pay more for poly l lactic acid. Furthermore, some patients may require more than one syringe of hyaluronic acid filler or another injectable for every session.
How long do dermal fillers last if you’re a smoker?
Smoking can deteriorate the presence of healthy skin cells and collagen (the natural substance that gives healthy plumpness to your skin) in your face. This means that smokers will usually need to undergo more frequent treatments for cheek fillers, chin fillers, lip fillers, and more.
Are facial fillers worth it?
Injectable fillers offer something that no other plastic surgery or facial treatment can provide. Unfortunately, they do not last forever. Therefore, despite the fact that each dermal filler treatment must be redone at periodic intervals, most long-time patients agree they are worth it.
How long do facial fillers really last if you’re older?
Many different factors can influence the longevity of dermal fillers. Smoking, how often you move your face (or treated body area), your skin quality, fat distribution, and more can all affect the lasting effects of dermal fillers. For mature patients, sometimes skin laxity and a slower metabolism may also be factors.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid fillers can give you that boost of confidence you’ve been looking for. These products can do what no other topical cream, cosmetic surgery, or makeup product can do.
To learn more about which dermal fillers may be right for you and your concerns, please contact our office today and book a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/how-long-do-dermal-fillers-last
