How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Dermal filler injections are the most effective and affordable methods of skin rejuvenation and reduction of wrinkles; they are as popular as Botox, even though they have somewhat different aesthetic goals. In order to understand whether this option is suitable for one’s needs, it’s vital to know how each type of filler works, which results can be achieved with each of them, and the way to use them safely.

In this article, we would like to discuss the average fillers’ durability based on the active substance in their base, the target area for administration, and some other key factors. Check out other articles on the FillerCloud blog; we cover plenty of topics so people better understand the cosmetic beauty sphere.

What Are Injectable Dermal Fillers?

Before discussing the longevity of dermal fillers, let’s clear out what this product is and what it is used for. This product may be described as a gel-like substance administered under the skin to reach certain aesthetic goals. They are meant to be injected into the soft tissues, so you may also hear specialists referring to them as soft tissue fillers. Injectables are gaining popularity thanks to their effectiveness, affordability, and longevity, so no wonder more and more individuals choose them instead of complicated and expensive plastic surgeries.

You should also read our article Juvederm vs. Radiesse: Which Filler is Right for You. Our professionals have written an excellent article comparing dermal fillers.

Three Primary Types of Facial Fillers

Mainly, dermal fillers are divided into three types based on the active substance in their composition. These are among the most widely used ones:

• Hyaluronic acid fillers. HA is a substance produced naturally in the body. Mainly, it’s responsible for skin hydration, elasticity, and a pleasant appearance overall. For a hyaluronic acid-based filler, a synthetic analog is typically used; it has the same properties as the naturally-occurring substance, so adverse reactions after the treatment are rare. Also, this is the only kind of injectable suitable for a lip filler procedure. The most famous brands that use HA as the main ingredient are Juvederm, Belotero, Saypha, Teosyal, and numerous others;
• Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers. These are also popular among medical specialists and their patients; just like a hyaluronic acid filler, CaHA ones are safer than other injectable options because this active substance is naturally present in the body as well (however, this one can be found in bones). This type of injectable is also known as a collagen stimulator, and that’s why the results are a little more durable for it. One of the most widely used brands that contain calcium hydroxylapatite is, of course, Radiesse;
• Poly-L-lactic acid fillers. Unlike the two kinds of injectables discussed above, this one is based on synthetic polymers, which may be the reason for rather unusual adverse reactions after the treatment session (like durable irritation, minor painful sensation in the administration spot, and others). It works as a bio-stimulator to improve collagen production in the body and, thus, boost one’s looks naturally and without the need for more complicated procedures. Sculptra is a perfect example of a poly-L-lactic filler.

At FillerCloud, you can buy lip fillers wholesale and retail. If you are a board-certified professional, you may check them out on our website after finishing this article. In case you have questions, get in touch with our customer support team to receive assistance regarding any aspect of our work. 

What Can Dermal Fillers Be Used for?

The primary goal of every dermal filler treatment is to eliminate imperfections caused by aging and provide a moisturizing effect to smooth out wrinkles. FDA-approved dermal fillers are usually recommended for the following aesthetic purposes:

• Get rid of wrinkles, folds, and creases (nasolabial folds, marionette lines, crow’s feet, etc.);
• Providing a plumping lips effect, correcting their shape and contour with lip fillers;
• Tighten saggy skin;
• Moisturize dehydrated dermis;
• Improve facial contours;
• Restore facial volume in hollow areas (like cheeks or temples).

Besides mentioned-above tasks, dermal fillers also work well for post-acne and dark spots treatment, eye bags, and dark circles elimination. A medical professional should tell whether these goals can be reached after a careful examination.

Before the injection session, it’s highly recommended to go through medical examinations recommended by the doctor. In this way, it’s easier to ensure the procedure is safe for one’s needs and can be performed without any worries. 

You can also read our article How Long Does Botox Last. It will also be very useful for you because it contains a lot of useful information.

How Long Do Injections of Dermal Fillers Last?

Facial filler treatments have different durability based on the ingredients used in their composition. Overall, they may be divided into three categories:

• Fillers that last for 6 months or less – mainly related to hyaluronic acid-based injectables;
• From 6 months to 1 year – durable fillers for lips that are more resistant to facial movement;
• From 1 to 2 years – primarily related to CaHA and poly-L-lactic injectables, stimulates natural collagen production well to provide a long-lasting effect.

Of course, other factors like the environment, age, initial skin condition, and others are vital too. That’s why it’s crucial to talk with a doctor about the nuances to know how fillers will work for one’s case. 

Sometimes, people confuse dermal fillers with Botox (its main ingredient is botulinum toxin type A). The nature of these products is entirely different, and thus they are typically picked for various aesthetic treatments. Facial fillers are used to restore lost volume in certain target zones, improve skin hydration, and smooth out the facial surface; Botox, on the other hand, is a preventative injectable meaning it freezes nerve endings spasms in muscles to stop contractions, so wrinkles cannot occur for some time. Botulinum toxins are for prevention, while fillers are meant to address the existing problem.

What Does Filler Longevity Depend On?

A few crucial properties of the injectable gel may influence the overall durability of the treatment. We want to highlight three main aspects:

• The active substance in the product’s base. Before the treatment itself, many people are curious about how long lip fillers last. Knowing it makes it easier to plan the procedure and understand the whole process overall. For example, while hyaluronic acid based-products last up to a year, CaHA-based ones may provide up to 18 months of noticeable skin improvement;
• The volume of the injectable. Typically, the more product was administered under the skin to restore volume, the longer the effect would last. A doctor may use the same brand, but the result after 0.6ml of the gel and after 1ml will stay for a different amount of time;
• The technique used during the administration. Dermal filler results depend significantly on the technology used for its perfection by the manufacturer (for example, NASHA technology for hyaluronic acid-based products). All technologies aim to perfect specific characteristics of the injectable, thus defining the product’s longevity.

A patient’s skin type, age, aesthetic requests, and other factors may also be vital for the procedure’s durability. A correctly picked skincare routine is also essential, so if this nuance is discussed in advance with a specialist, it’s much easier to create a perfect formula for durable post-treatment improvement.

Which Dermal Filler Type Lasts the Longest?

Among common types of dermal fillers discussed in this article, poly-L-lactic solutions typically last the longest. The main reason is the product’s formula – synthetic polymer for collagen growth in skin cells, so the effect continues even after the filler wears off. Sculptra is one of the most popular injectables with this active substance in the base.

Hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite have similar longevity; the only thing you shouldn’t forget is that the second one also belongs to collagen stimulators, so the effect continues even after the product is fully absorbed by the body.

What Happens When Dermal Filler Wears Off?

After the minimally-invasive procedure, patients should be patient and wait till all the post-treatment adverse reactions disappear entirely to see the maximum improvement of their appearance. Then, the body tissues will gradually absorb the gel during a few months (based on the filler’s durability).

Some individuals believe the myths about the negative effect of dermal fillers in the long run, but all plastic surgeons and aesthetic medicine specialists can assure you that it’s not true. Facial injectables only benefit one’s skin, and there’s no such thing as the dermis getting used to the treatment.

Normally, the skin should slowly return to its initial condition after the filler disappears completely. However, many patients report that the dermis remained better than before the injection session, even after the product wore off completely. All because most dermal fillers are able to boost collagen and elastin production and, therefore, guarantee improvement from within for a significant amount of time.

To Sum Up: How Long Do Dermal Fillers Really Last?

Dermal fillers are long-lasting products explicitly created for skin improvement and wrinkle elimination. This treatment is durable and is a perfect alternative to plastic surgeries, which are initially more difficult, dangerous, and expensive.

When the facial filler is administered correctly, it may provide skin rejuvenation from 6 to 24 months (based on the active substance in the product’s composition). And if maintenance treatments are used afterward, the effect may continue for years. What an excellent procedure is dermal filler injection! Definitely consider it as an option for an appearance boost!