How long do dermal fillers last?

Most hyaluronic acid dermal fillers tend to fall within the 6 to 18-month range, however, the expected longevity of your fillers will also vary from person to person. Here’s a general ‘rule of thumb when it comes to filler longevity: 

Lip Filler: 6-9 months

Tear Trough Filler: 6-9 months

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: 6-9 months

Cheek Filler: 9-12 months

Temple Filler: 9-12 months

Nasolabial Filler: 9-12 months

Jawline Filler: 12-15 months

Chin Filler: 12-15 months

What causes dermal filler results to fade?

Dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid don’t last forever. They eventually become reabsorbed into your body and then flushed out. The rate at which this happens is different for everyone, and it depends on a few things:

Location of the filler

You may find that your filler wears off more quickly in areas of the face that are more active like around the mouth and lips. Filler placed deep in your cheeks or tear trough often can last longer because they are placed on the bone, underneath muscles and around muscles that move slightly less.

How much filler is injected

It may seem obvious, but smaller amounts of dermal filler will dissipate more quickly than larger doses. 

The type of filler

Fillers have multiple properties so are used to achieve different effects (from smoothing lines and wrinkles to reshaping the face) and therefore have to be designed differently to give the desired result. A filler designed for the chin is a lot thicker than the filler designed for the lips, therefore, depending on the filler used, it will be reabsorbed at different rates, anywhere from 6 months up to 18 months. 

Your lifestyle

External factors that prevent results from lasting longer include UV exposure and lifestyle choices such as drinking and smoking. 

Your metabolism

Everyone processes filler differently. Genetic factors and even your age will influence the rate at which your injectables dissipate. Often very active, athletic people will break down filler more quickly.

How can I make my dermal filler results last longer?

Unfortunately, there’s no way to make filler last forever, but there are ways you can keep results lasting that bit longer. Here are 9 steps to maintain filler results as long as possible:

Follow dermal filler after-care guidelines

Immediately after getting fillers, you will be asked to follow the following aftercare:

• Avoid any heat-inducing activities for 24 hours such as strenuous exercise, spas, saunas and hot showers.
• Avoid pressure on the area for the first 48 hours (no face-down massages).
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours
• Avoid active cosmeceutical products (AHA, retinol, vitamin C) and oil-based makeup for 24 hours.
• Avoid touching the face too to avoid infection.
• Avoid facials, waxing, chemical peels, skin needling, microdermabrasion, IPL or laser treatments for 2 weeks after treatment.
• Do not massage the treatment area unless instructed to do so.

Closely following all of these guidelines can help to ensure optimal results.

Have a proper skincare routine

While fillers can help you look younger, they work best when paired with the proper skincare routine for your specific skin type and concerns. Following a basic skincare routine with the right cleanser, moisturiser, anti-ageing treatment products and SPF can accompany dermal fillers perfectly.

Our VIVA Associates will be able to give you a personalised skincare routine during your appointment.

Follow a personalised dermal filler maintenance plan

It is important to note that no injectable treatment will last forever. The longevity of the product injected normally depends on the product used and what area was treated. Add to this the fact that everyone metabolises these products at a different rate, therefore it is important to keep an open mind to whether you will need a top-up sooner than you thought.

Your VIVA injector will advise you on your maintenance plan which normally means, booking back in 6 months for maximum results.

Furthermore, when we see patients for full face dermal filler treatments we often use 5+ mls in the first session. After this, we usually maintain with 1-2mls every 6 months to keep the beautification ever-lasting!

Stay hydrated

Keeping hydrated not only keeps wrinkles at bay but helps maintain your injections. In addition to drinking lots of water, hydrate your skin with products that are ultra-hydrating to reduce inflammation and slow the process by which your body breaks down your injectables.

Choose a skilled injector

The best way to lengthen the time between appointments is to choose a medically-trained, experienced injector. Appropriate dosing and precise injections lead to longer-lasting results. Yes, a highly experienced injector may cost you to visit, but it will pay for itself in results you love and less frequent touch-up visits. At VIVA, our clinicians have an extensive history and experience with injectable treatments and are constantly trained on the most up-to-date techniques and products. We do this to ensure that our clients have the peace of mind that their treatment is in the hands of experienced professionals.

⁣Avoid UV exposure

We all know too much sun isn’t good for our skin, but did you know that overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can actually reverse the benefits of your filler treatment? You can maintain your results for longer by using high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen, avoiding the sun and covering up with a hat.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Even your diet can affect the appearance and health of your skin. To keep your dermal filler results lasting as long as possible, avoid processed foods and try to limit the amount of refined sugar in your diet. Increased inflammation caused by these foods in your body is translated to your overall skin health – that means ageing and acne!

Be Gentle to Your Skin

This is particularly important in the days and weeks following your initial treatment when your filler is settling. Try to avoid facials with heavy pressure, sleeping on one side of the pillow, wearing heavy glasses on the nose (if you’ve had a non-surgical rhinoplasty), and too much touching in general of your face. 

Try to avoid stress where possible

Let’s face it, we all get stressed from time to time. However, it is important to try and limit it as much as possible as high-stress levels cause a release of cortisol and other hormones which accelerate the ageing process and rapidly enhance common unwanted signs of ageing. To extend the benefits of dermal filler, try to reduce stress levels by making time for yourself throughout the day and practising self-care.

Interested in booking a dermal filler treatment with us? Use our helpful online booking platform, or contact our team directly to book a consultation with an injectables specialist. You can also find our price list on our website.