How Long do Dermal Fillers Last?
Dermal fillers are one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed these days, and there are more options than ever before. At Preventous Cosmetic Medicine of Calgary, AB, we are working to provide patients with the best in dermal injections and enhancements.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Dermal filler products come in a wide range of types. For this reason, it is hard to give an exact timeline of how long a filler will last. In addition, your body’s metabolism also has an effect on how quickly the filler is broken down and absorbed, which can lengthen or lessen the time between treatments.
Depending on the type of filler used and where it is injected, you can expect your filler to last anywhere from 3 months to more than 2 years. That is why you want to work with an experienced, certified physician who can guide you toward the best treatment option for your skin’s needs.
Fillers vs Biotoxins
Before we discuss the various types of fillers available to you, it is important to note that some of the treatments that you are already familiar with, like Botox, are not fillers at all. These treatments use a biotoxin to cause your muscles to freeze and the skin above them to relax, producing smoother skin. Biotoxin treatments are not fillers and belong to a category all their own.
By contrast, fillers use a substance called Hyaluronic Acid, which is naturally produced in our bodies, to help fill out the area beneath the skin and restore the fullness of the area. Hyaluronic Acid is very versatile and can be used to achieve a wide range of cosmetic results. Plus, it can be dissolved or adjusted if you are dissatisfied with the initial injection.
How Fillers Work
Dermal fillers work by restoring lost volume and hydration in your skin cells. It is this loss of hydration that causes your skin to thin and wrinkle, causing unwanted lines and dark areas.
Types of Fillers
Juvederm
Juvederm is one of two major brands in the dermal filler arena. Juvederm is unique because it uses a smooth gel-like base to deliver the filler, and contains stronger bonds between acid molecules, which can give the filler a longer-lasting effect. Juvederm also comes in five different formulas for more precise treatment of problem areas.
Juvederm Voluma
Juvederm Voluma is one of the longest-lasting fillers on the market. It can last up to 24 months with only a mild touch-up halfway through. Voluma injections are designed to build up lost volume in the cheekbones and reduce sagging, so it is a denser treatment than other options and uses larger hyaluronic acid molecules to get the job done.
Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus
Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus are both designed to last about one year from the time of injection. This is Juvederm’s standard product line, which can be used in any area of the face to reduce wrinkles and restore volume. It is a good all-around option, or it can be used in conjunction with other types of Juvederm for targeted treatment.
Juvederm Vollure
Juvederm Vollure is a medium density filler that is used to plump up areas around the mouth and nose where you can accumulate deep laugh lines or creases. This treatment can last up to eighteen months and is typically used with another filler type to fill out the lips and cheekbones for an even appearance.
Juvederm Volbella
The Volbella line is Juvederm’s answer for fine lines. Using a specially formulated acid solution with tiny molecules allows for injections around the lips and under eyes without the bulkiness of other volumizing fillers. Volbella results typically last up to 12 months, due to the body’s ability to absorb this treatment faster.
Restylane
The other major brand of hyaluronic acid-based filler is Restylane. Restylane is a more structured substance, so the gel is not as smooth and has some bulkiness to it. Restylane currently comes in six different varieties with some additives for patient comfort.
Restylane and Restylane-L
Similar to Juvederm’s Ultra and Ultra Plus, the Restylane and Restylane-L products are designed for solid coverage anywhere in the face. These products can improve the appearance of your skin for up to 18 months and are typically used in areas where there are deep wrinkles or sagging to fill.
Restylane Lyft
Restylane Lyft is a heavier filler designed specifically for building up bulk in sagging cheekbones. The granular structure of this product allows it to stay in place longer than other fillers and allows for more precise adjustments of the cheek contours. In addition, Lyft comes with Lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to help with discomfort during the injection process.
Restylane Silk
Silk is Restylane’s low-volume filler designed for shallow creases and thin lines around the lips. Results from this treatment usually last about six months, as the body absorbs the thinner formula faster.
Restylane Refyne and Defyne
The Refyne and Defyne lines are a specialized product created by Restylane to treat problem areas. With Refyne, you can eliminate laugh lines and help smooth out many areas of the face. On the other hand, Defyne is used specifically to treat the deep lines that run from nose to mouth.
Both of these treatments are designed to last up to twelve months, sometimes with a single touch-up halfway through, and they may be used together to treat the broader area around your lips where smile lines are prominent.
Other Fillers
Juvederm and Restylane remain the best-selling fillers on the market, but they are not the only options. A handful of new companies have brought fillers to the market, and they are making their way to the public as well, each with their own list of pros and cons.
These include:
- Radiesse
- Bellafill
- Sculptra
What Can Impact Your Results
You will notice that there is no definite answer for how long a filler will continue to work for you. This is because each body reacts to hyaluronic acid in different ways. Your age, the type of treatment used, the amount of filler injected, and the injection location can all impact the longevity of your results.
Your Age
Most patients who receive fillers are over the age of 35. At this point, your body has lost some of its natural ability to produce hyaluronic acid on its own, which is why you are starting to see signs of ageing. However, your body may need much less filler to achieve the same results as a person age 60.
In general, older patients will see their results fading faster because their body absorbs the filler at a faster rate. This is normal, but it can be overcome by scheduling touch-ups before the filler has completely disappeared.
Type of Treatment
As noted above, different types of fillers have different chemical makeups, which affects the rate at which they are absorbed, but also the amount of volume they provide. Thinner fillers are absorbed more easily, while fillers that use large particles break down at a slower rate.
Amount of Filler Used
The amount of filler used in your treatment will depend on your doctor’s assessment of your current wrinkles and lines. Obviously, the deeper the lines, the more filler will be used to smooth out your skin, and the longer it will take for your body to completely absorb it.
However, if you are receiving treatment for deep lines, you can expect to see the re-appearance of fine lines long before your filler is completely absorbed. This may necessitate touch-ups to prevent further creasing.
Filler Placement
Filler placement is also an important matter when determining how long your results will last. While most people think of fillers being used in the face, they can also be used in the hands, neck, and other areas.
Fillers placed in the face last longer than those placed in other areas of the body, and fillers placed in the cheeks and under eyes tend to last longer than those placed around the lips and mouth. This is because of the differences in skin structure across different parts of your body.
How to Prolong Your Results
Once you’ve received your first treatment, you will want to do everything you can to prolong your results. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to ensure that your fillers last as long as possible, and your results look consistent over time.
Avoid Too Much Sun
UV damage is probably what caused your skin to break down in the first place, so it’s not surprising that avoiding the sun is the first step in keeping your skin looking great. Applying SPF daily, and repeating the application when you are outdoors for long periods, is the number one way to prevent your fillers from breaking down prematurely.
A Great Skincare Routine
Hyaluronic Acid works to help your skin hang on to moisture and maintain its volume, but it’s up to you to provide it with the nutrients and hydrating formulas it needs on a daily basis. Make sure you are using a dermatologist-recommended toner, serum, and moisturizer to aid your new skin in retaining its beauty.
A night-time hydrating cream will also help your skin heal from any damage that occurs during the day, giving you a fresh start each morning. You will also want to ask your doctor about any eye creams or other topical treatments that can help prolong your results without causing a negative reaction with your fillers.
Regular Touch-Ups
Finally, keeping your skin looking smooth means having your dermal fillers redone when needed. The length between touch-ups may vary, but it is best to schedule these injections before you begin to see a significant loss of volume.
This will ensure that your fillers continue to look natural, and your skin doesn’t suffer from repeated sagging and tightening as your treatments are applied. Keeping up with your injections will prevent undue damage to your skin long term and minimize ageing.
What if the Results Aren’t What You Expected?
Fortunately, hyaluronic acid is easy to work with and your fillers can be adjusted if your initial treatment is not what you expected. If it is your first time receiving fillers, your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment one to two weeks later to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
If your fillers are too bulky, your doctor may inject a small amount of hyaluronidase to flush out the filler and flatten it out. In other cases, your doctor may add a drop or two of additional filler to smooth out any bumpiness that appears.
Get Smoother Skin in No Time
To learn more about all of the dermal fillers available on the market, call Preventous Cosmetic Medicine of Calgary, AB today! With just one consultation we can find a filler that is right for you and get you on your way to smoother, younger-looking skin.