Thinking about enhancing your features with dermal fillers but worried about how permanent they might be? We totally understand! It’s not something you do lightly.
However, dermal fillers offer a safe, flexible way to refresh your appearance, smooth wrinkles, and restore volume for quite some time โ but without lasting forever.
So โ to help you confidently decide if they’re right for you, here’s the information you need about how long these enhancements typically last.
But let’s first clear up exactly what these fillers are โ and are not.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances designed to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance your facial contours. The most common type contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which is what we use at LifeMed.
Other types include calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), each with different properties and longevity.
However, these fillers are not Botox. Botox relaxes muscles to soften wrinkles, but fillers literally “fill in” and lift areas by adding volume beneath the surface of your skin.
Are Dermal Fillers Permanent or Temporary?
The simple, reassuring answer is this: No, dermal fillers aren’t permanent, and this is actually intentional.
Most popular fillers are based on hyaluronic acid โ as mentioned โ which your body gradually absorbs over time.
Unlike surgical implants or permanent synthetic injections, HA fillers break down naturally. And because these fillers are designed to gradually fade over time, they can better align with the natural changes your face experiences over time.
For example, as we age, our facial structure, including skin elasticity and bone density, also changes.
Permanent fillers canโt adapt to these subtle shifts, often leading to an unnatural or misplaced appearance after several years.
In contrast, temporary fillers allow your aesthetic specialist to regularly reassess and adjust treatments, ensuring results remain natural-looking, balanced, and aligned with your current facial contours and aesthetic preferences.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Curious how long fillers last? Here’s a helpful breakdown of typical longevity by the most popular treatment areas:
Lip Fillers for a Plump Smile
Lip fillers are some of the most common dermal filler procedures. They typically last between 6 to 9 months. But because your lips experience frequent movement from talking, eating, and smiling, the filler breaks down faster compared to other areas.
Dermal Fillers Under Eyes
The delicate under-eye region is a good area to treat because fillers diminish hollows, reduce dark circles, and create a refreshed appearance. Typically, dermal fillers under eyes last between 9 to 12 months. Since the area has minimal movement compared to parts like your mouth and lips, fillers here can last slightly longer.
Jawline Fillers for a Defined Contour
The jawline area involves thicker filler injections placed deeper under the skin to contour and define your jaw and chin. Due to deeper placement and less movement, the results of dermal filler jawline treatments can often extend up to 18 months โ or even two years for some more viscous filler types.
Factors That Influence Longevity of Dermal Fillers
Everyone’s body responds differently to filler treatments. This influences how long your results will last. Several key factors can extend or shorten the life of your filler, including:
- Type of Filler Used
Different fillers have varying lifespans. HA fillers (like Juvรฉderm or Restylane) typically last between 6 months to 18 months, depending on their viscosity. More viscous, sturdier fillers used for deeper facial sculpting (such as the jawline or cheeks) generally last longer compared to thinner, delicate fillers used under eyes or in fine lines.
- Treatment Area
Areas with more muscle movement โ such as lips and mouth corners โ tend to break down dermal fillers faster, requiring more frequent touch-ups. And areas with less frequent movement or thicker skin, like cheeks or jawline, maintain filler results longer.
- Your Metabolism and Lifestyle
Believe it or not, your metabolism also plays a role! If you have a higher metabolism, you would naturally break down fillers quicker. Other lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, diet, smoking, or sun exposure can also affect the longevity of your results.
- Skill and Technique of Your Injector
An experienced professional injector who administers precisely the right amount of filler at the proper depth ensures optimal results and longevity.
Dermal Fillers Before and After: What to Expect
While before-and-after images offer great reference points, remember to discuss your personal aesthetic goals with your provider to set realistic expectations tailored specifically to you.
Right after your treatment, you’ll notice immediate improvements: smoother skin, restored volume, or enhanced contours. Slight swelling or redness might initially exaggerate the result, settling within a week to reveal your beautiful, refreshed look.
Your filler will gradually metabolize over time, meaning the results subtly fade rather than abruptly disappear.
This slow, natural reduction allows you to schedule touch-ups thoughtfully so you can maintain consistent, attractive results.
How Much Do Dermal Fillers Cost?
Prices vary based on a number of factors including the injectorโs qualifications, skill, and experience, and the filler brands used โ with higher costs often reflecting advanced skill levels, higher-quality products, and superior results.
Call in for a discussion on exactly what you want to achieve with HA fillers, and we can assess your likely costs on a personal basis before you commit.
Want Your Dermal Filler Results to Last Even Longer?
While dermal fillers naturally fade over time, you can maximize their longevity through simple yet effective lifestyle choices:
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF daily and limit sun exposure to prevent premature breakdown of fillers.
- Drink plenty of water to help maintain your skin’s elasticity.
- Avoid smoking, and reduce alcohol intake.
- Use high-quality, moisturizing skincare products to help keep your skin healthy and supple.
- Invest in a highly skilled professional injector and high-quality filler.
LifeMed for Expert Dermal Fillers Enhancements
The beauty of dermal HA fillers lies precisely in their flexibility. They enhance your natural features, allow personal expression, and give you complete control over your aesthetic journey.
Our board-certified, medical providers at LifeMed are well-versed in helping you achieve completely natural-looking dermal filler enhancements โ safely and comfortably. Feel confident to schedule a consultation!