Dermal fillers are the second most popular minimally invasive cosmetic treatment in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. This versatile cosmetic treatment can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in even the smallest areas, bring more symmetry into the face, or contour the jaw or cheekbones.
However, one major consideration for the many people getting dermal filler treatment every year is how long their results will last. As with any minimally invasive treatment, the trade-off for low-hassle, minimal downtime treatment are results that need touching up from time to time. Today, let’s discuss what dermal fillers are, how they can help you, and how long you can expect them to last.
Dermal Fillers: What They Are and Different Types
Dermal fillers are injectable treatments that are used to add volume to different areas of the face. They can be used to treat the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by plumping skin and providing a smoothing effect. They can also help provide more symmetry and balance to the face by adding volume to the lips and cheeks.
Dermal fillers are also used to contour specific areas of the face, like the cheekbones, jawline, temples, and even the tip of the nose by adding volume and lift depending on where they’re placed.
Hyaluronic acid(HA)fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are most commonly used in practice, although there are four types of dermal fillers: HA fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite fillers, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and poly-L-lactic acid(PLLA) fillers.
HA fillers like Restylane and Juvederm last from six months to a year, and they work by drawing water molecules to the injection site for a voluminous, refreshed look. They are biocompatible with the body and dissolve naturally over time.
The other 3 types of fillers are also biocompatible with the body. They last longer than HA fillers due to their composition, and can also stimulate collagen production. Calcium hydroxylapatite fillers last up to a year, PLLA fillers last up to two years, and PMMA fillers are considered semi-permanent.
Factors Affecting How Long Dermal Fillers Last
While the most prominent factor affecting how long dermal fillers last is the type of filler you choose, there are other factors that can cause filler to dissolve more quickly or more slowly. When you receive fillers in certain facial areas, such as the forehead or around the mouth, the filler is likely to have a shorter lifespan since it is injected into dynamic muscles.
These muscles, like the frontalis muscle in the forehead, are frequently moving throughout the day. If you receive filler in the cheeks or under the eyes, you may not experience as quick of a breakdown.
Another factor is individual metabolism. Everyone’s body will process and eliminate filler at different rates, and individuals with faster metabolisms may have results that are not as long lasting.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Dermal Fillers
Effective aftercare and maintenance are key to extending the results of dermal fillers. Lifestyle choices can affect how long the fillers last. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, consistent hydration, and an EstrogenicA-recommended skincare regimen can help maintain your results.
It’s also important to talk with your provider about where dermal fillers fit in your holistic wellness plan to ensure you’re the healthiest, happiest you. Don’t forget to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure the longevity of your dermal fillers, too.
Common FAQs
How long do dermal fillers last?
The longevity of dermal fillers varies based on a person’s metabolism. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane and Juvederm typically last between 6 months and a year. Since hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by the body, the fillers are gradually metabolized and broken down safely by the body’s tissues over time.
When should I schedule my touch-up treatments?
You can schedule your touch-up treatments at your first appointment, or even during your consultation, and adjust as needed depending on how long your results are lasting.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid fillers over semi-permanent fillers or surgical treatments?
Benefits of HA fillers, as opposed to PMMA and PLLA fillers(longer-lasting) or surgical treatments include avoiding the risk and downtime associated with surgery. One major benefit of HA fillers when compared with longer-lasting options is the ability to receive treatment that isn’t semi-permanent or extremely long-lasting.
This allows people newer to dermal fillers to experiment some and dip their toe in the water without the worry that a long-lasting treatment will ultimately be something they don’t like. While HA fillers aren’t permanent, they can last for up to a year and they are more cost-effective than longer-lasting fillers.
Refresh Your Look with Dermal Fillers at EstrogenicA
If you’re ready to get a more youthful look or make long time aesthetic goals reality, it’s time to book your dermal filler consultation with EstrogenicA. Our caring team will be here for you every step of the way. Take the first step toward holistic health with EstrogenicA’s expert care providers and book your appointment today.
