Over-the-counter skin care products can only do so much to reduce wrinkles, improve the look of lines and crow’s feet, and give you a smoother, younger-looking complexion. So for more effective results, many people turn to dermal fillers. The question many patients have however, is how long will their results last? We’ll try to answer some of those concerns here!
Injectable fillers… what do they do?
Dermal fillerscan help address issues that affect skin as it ages. As we get older, our skin begins to lose elasticity. The muscles and fat that make up the face start to thin out, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, and skin that’s lost its smoothness and fullness. Dermal fillers can help:
- Smooth out lines
- Restore lost volume
- Plump up skin
Dermal fillers contain gel-like substances like hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. These are the substances that are injected into your skin by your cosmetic surgeon or expert injector. The injections are typically regarded as minimally invasive, and therefore require minimal downtime for recovery.
Injectable fillers… how long do results last?
One important thing to keep in mind is that as with any skincare procedure, results will vary depending on the individual. Beyond that, the length of time a filler lasts will depend on the product itself, and the area treated.
The denser the product is and the deeper it’s injected into the skin can determine how long the treatment will last, though it’s not a solid guarantee. Results are typically maintained by repeated treatments determined by your cosmetic surgeon, who will adjust the amount of filler and the technique used to ensure the best results.
Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are usually recommended for first time patients. They’re the most common of fillers, and help produce collagen and elastin. Results typically last between 6 and 18 months.
Fillers injected in the lips can wear out a little faster compared to those injected to the nasolabial folds. Other hyaluronic fillers such as Voluma are designed to last longer, but are limited to injecting in areas such as the cheeks.
Synthetic fillers tend to last longer because their substances are not absorbed by the body. Synthetic fillers are perfect for the right patient, but it’s important to know that you are committing to the results for several years. This is why choosing a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon is important. You want to be sure you’ll be satisfied with their work as it has the potential to affect your life—and your body—for quite a long time.
Here are some timelines for some of the most highly recognized and popular injectable fillers:
- Juvederm Voluma: about 24 months with a touch-up treatment to help longevity.
- Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus: about 12 months, with a possible touch-up around 6 to months.
- Juvederm Vollure: approximately 12 to 18 months.
- Juvederm Volbella: approximately 12 months.
- Restylane Defyne, Refyne, and Lyft: about 12 months, with possible touch-ups at 6 to months.
- Restylane Silk: approximately 6 to 10 months.
- Restylane-L: approximately 5 to 7 months.
- Radiesse: approximately 12 months.
- Sculptra: can last more than 2 years.
- Bellafill: can last up to 5 years.
Fat injections as dermal fillers
Fat injections (Fat transfer) can last indefinitely, although some injected fat won’t survive due to degradation over time. When your cosmetic surgeon fills the treatment the first time, the area may appear to look fuller than normal because of overfilling to compensate for expected fat degradation, but this condition will gradually change over time as the fat settles into a more natural-looking appearance. Fat transfer is a great alternative to filler injections but is a more complicated procedure. Your surgeon will need to harvest some fat from your body by doing liposuction, purify the fat and then perform the actual fat injections. Fat transfer requires anesthesia and takes more time that dermal filler injections.
Injectable fillers… what affects their longevity?
Other factors that can affect how long dermal fillers last include:
- Where the filler is injected
- How much of the filler is injected
- How fast your body can metabolize the filler material
Fillers will slowly degrade during the first few months after they’ve been injected, but results will maintain their look because of the fillers’ ability to absorb water. Generally, it won’t be until you’re halfway through the predicted filler duration period that decreases in volume will be noticed. At this point, returning to your surgeon or expert injector for a touch-up treatment can help maintain and sustain the best results.
Injectable fillers… interested in learning more?
The first step you should take if you’re interested in getting injectable filler treatments is to call Aristocrat and set up a consultation with Dr. Tehrani and our experienced staff who will answer your questions and determine the best injectable treatment routine for your skin and its condition. We’ll guide you in selecting the best solution to your needs!