How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last
James Lumsden

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular option for people looking to enhance their appearance, reduce signs of aging, or restore volume to areas of the face that may have lost fullness over time. Whether it’s to smooth out wrinkles, plump up lips, or contour the face, fillers offer a non-invasive solution with immediate results. However, one of the most common questions prospective patients have is: “How long do dermal fillers last?”

The duration of results from dermal fillers can vary greatly depending on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism, lifestyle, and skin type. This comprehensive guide will explore the various types of fillers, the factors that influence their longevity, and what you can expect from your treatment.

Understanding Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume, improve symmetry, and enhance facial features. The most common areas treated with dermal fillers include the lips, cheeks, jawline, chin, and under-eye hollows. They are also used to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth (nasolabial folds) and across the forehead.

There are several different types of dermal fillers, each made from different substances. The most common are:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (HA)
  • Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
  • Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)
  • Autologous Fat Injections

How Long Do Different Types of Fillers Last?

The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, as different fillers are designed to last for different lengths of time. Below is an in-depth look at the various types of dermal fillers and how long their effects typically last.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers are the most commonly used fillers due to their safety profile, natural results, and ability to be reversed if necessary. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and when injected into the skin, it binds with water to provide volume and hydration.

Popular brands of HA fillers include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. These fillers are often used in areas like the lips, cheeks, and under the eyes, where volume loss is most noticeable. The duration of HA fillers typically ranges between 6 to 18 months, depending on the specific product and area treated.

  • Lips: HA fillers used in the lips tend to last around 6 to 9 months due to the high mobility of the mouth area, which can cause the filler to break down more quickly.
  • Cheeks: When used in the cheeks or mid-face, HA fillers can last 12 to 18 months, as these areas experience less movement compared to the lips.
  • Under-Eye Area: Fillers under the eyes can last around 9 to 12 months, as the skin in this area is thinner and tends to break down fillers more slowly.

The longevity of HA fillers is influenced by the formulation. For instance, thicker fillers like Juvederm Voluma, which is used for cheek augmentation, can last up to two years. Thinner fillers, like Restylane Silk, designed for delicate areas like the lips, have shorter durations.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Calcium hydroxylapatite is another popular filler material found in products like Radiesse. CaHA is a biocompatible substance naturally found in human bones and is typically used for deeper lines and wrinkles, as well as for facial contouring and volume restoration.

CaHA fillers are known for their longevity, lasting approximately 12 to 18 months. This is due to their ability to stimulate collagen production, which means that even after the filler itself breaks down, the body continues to produce collagen, extending the effects.

CaHA fillers are often used in areas such as:

  • Nasolabial Folds: These fillers are effective at smoothing deep lines around the mouth.
  • Jawline and Chin Augmentation: Radiesse is often used to create a more defined jawline or chin, with results lasting up to a year or more.

In addition to lasting longer, CaHA fillers are denser and provide more structure, making them ideal for contouring and lifting.

Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic filler used to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Unlike HA or CaHA fillers, PLLA fillers, such as Sculptra, do not provide immediate results. Instead, they work over time to gradually restore facial volume as the body produces collagen.

The effects of PLLA fillers can last significantly longer, typically between 2 to 3 years. However, multiple sessions are usually required to achieve the desired results, as the collagen production process is gradual.

PLLA fillers are often used in:

  • Cheek and Temple Volumisation: These fillers are particularly effective for patients who have experienced significant volume loss in the cheeks and temples due to aging or weight loss.

Because they stimulate collagen, PLLA fillers can lead to long-lasting, natural-looking results. However, they require patience, as the final outcome may take several months to fully develop.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

Polymethylmethacrylate is a semi-permanent filler that consists of tiny microspheres suspended in a gel-like substance. PMMA fillers, such as Bellafill, are used for deeper wrinkles and folds and can last for up to 5 years or more.

PMMA fillers are most commonly used in the following areas:

  • Nasolabial Folds: Bellafill is FDA-approved for treating deep nasolabial folds and can provide long-lasting correction.
  • Acne Scarring: PMMA fillers are also used to fill in acne scars, providing a long-term solution for patients with pitted scars.

Since PMMA fillers are semi-permanent, they are typically used for patients seeking long-term correction, but they require more precise placement and expertise from the injector.

Autologous Fat Injections

Autologous fat injections, also known as fat grafting, involve harvesting fat from another part of the patient’s body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into areas requiring volume restoration. This method offers a more natural option since the filler comes from the patient’s own body. Fat transfer can provide long-lasting results, with some estimates suggesting 5 to 10 years of improvement. However, the longevity of fat grafting can vary depending on how much of the injected fat is reabsorbed by the body, which can range from 30% to 70%.

Factors Influencing the Longevity of Dermal Fillers

While the type of filler plays a significant role in how long the results last, there are several other factors that can influence the duration of dermal fillers:

  • Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms tend to break down fillers more quickly. This can lead to shorter-lasting results, particularly for HA fillers.
  • Area of Injection: As previously mentioned, fillers injected into areas with more movement (such as the lips) tend to wear off faster than those placed in less mobile areas (like the cheeks).
  • Lifestyle: Sun exposure, smoking, and excessive facial expressions can accelerate the breakdown of fillers. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper skin care can help extend the results.
  • Type of Filler: As discussed, the formulation and material of the filler will influence its longevity. Thicker, more robust fillers will last longer than thinner, more delicate ones.
  • Injector Skill: The technique used by the practitioner also affects how long the filler lasts. An experienced injector will place the filler in a way that maximises its longevity and provides natural-looking results.

Conclusion

The longevity of dermal fillers can vary depending on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. In general:

  • Hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 to 18 months.
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers last around 12 to 18 months.
  • Poly-L-lactic acid fillers can last 2 to 3 years.
  • Polymethylmethacrylate fillers may last up to 5 years or more.
  • Autologous fat injections can provide results that last for several years.

Ultimately, choosing the right filler and knowing what to expect from your treatment is key to achieving long-lasting, satisfying results. Consulting with a qualified injector is crucial to creating a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or long-term rejuvenation, dermal fillers offer a versatile, minimally invasive solution to achieve your desired look.

For more information on How long Dermal Fillers last contact Eternal Youth Medical Aesthetics.