How long do dermal fillers last

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, dermal fillers usually last between six months and two years, depending on the formulation.

Dermal filler is a soft, often gel-like substance injected into the skin to add volume and correct imperfections such as wrinkles and dermal fillers usually last between six months and two years, depending on the formulation. 

Now, a few factors can influence how long dermal fillers last, such as the location of the filler; the severity of the effects of ageing or scarring; the type of dermal filler used (e.g., where they come from and what substances they contain); how much is injected and how it is administered (e.g., whether injections are given superficially or deeply).

Types of Dermal Fillers that affect results

There are 4 different types of injectable dermal fillers used to restore volume and fullness to the skin: 

1. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a longer-lasting synthetic dermal filler that can be used to treat moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds). 

2. PLLA is biocompatible (or biologically compatible) with the human body. As a result, it breaks down into naturally occurring substances in about 6 months to a year. 

3. Calcium hydroxyapatite- (Radiesse®, Radiance®) is another synthetic dermal filler that can be used to treat moderate-to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth. It is made from calcium, which helps encourage skin regeneration and collagen production. Calcium hydroxyapatite is non-resorbable, meaning it will remain in the body for a long time. 

4. Hyaluronic acid (HA) -– also known as hyaluronan –- is a natural component of tissues throughout the human body that has been used to restore volume and fullness to aging skin since the 1960s. Hyaluronic acid is a safe, natural substance that can enhance a patient’s appearance by increasing fullness in and around the cheeks or other areas of the face.

How are dermal fillers injected

Before you have any type of dermal filler injection, your dermatologist will do a physical examination of your skin to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. If so, he or she will mark the treatment sites on your face and prepare them for injection. People commonly receive an injection of local anaesthesia before dermal filler injections.

The filler may contain lidocaine to minimize discomfort. Then it is injected into sunken hollow areas to plump, lift and volumize the face to look younger and fuller. 

Since dermal fillers are made from natural materials the side effects are limited. You could experience swelling or bruising redness at the injection site, or slight pain. These side effects typically resolve within a few days.

The potential risks and complications associated with dermal fillers include Nerve damage Infection Allergic reaction Bruising Swelling of lips If you have any questions about how long a dermal filler will last for you, please consult with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

What makes Dermal Filler Last Longer

Dermal fillers can last between six months and two years, depending on the formulation. However, there are a few factors that can influence how long dermal fillers last:

The location of the filler: Areas such as the perioral area (around the mouth), nasolabial folds (sunken lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (lines running from your lips to your chin) have a lower rate of degradation compared to more superficial areas such as nasolabial folds.

The severity of the effects of ageing or scarring: Those who are severely affected by ageing naturally have a higher risk of dermal filler degradation, hence why skin atrophy can occur.

The type of dermal filler used: Where they come from and what substances they contain will all affect how long they last. For example, non-animal-based fillers tend to degrade faster than those made with hyaluronic acid or collagen. How much is injected and how it is administered: Whether injections are given superficially or deeply will also have an effect on how long dermal fillers last.

The FDA recommends that patients return for a touch-up procedure when they feel their result has faded by at least 50%. However, it is important to bear in mind the duration that each dermal filler usually lasts.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are a great option for anyone who wants to restore volume, smooth wrinkles and folds, plump up thin lips or any other area of the body. Dermal fillers usually last between six months and two years depending on formulation. The type of dermal filler used can also affect how long they last due to substances they contain such as where it comes from and what substance is contained in them. How much you inject will influence how long your dermal filler lasts because deep injections may be longer lasting than superficial injections. When considering all these factors, we recommend that patients return for touch-up procedures when they feel their results have faded by at least 50%, this way they are confident about the results they achieve.