Face fillers have become super popular over the years. Why? Because they’re a quick, non-surgical way to enhance your features, smooth out wrinkles, or add volume to areas like your lips or cheeks. But one big question people always ask is, “How long do face fillers actually last?”
Short answer? It depends on the type of filler, the area being treated, and your body’s natural metabolism. But don’t worry, I’m here to break it all down in a simple and fun way so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
What Are Face Fillers, Anyway?
Before we dive into how long they last, let’s quickly cover what fillers are.
Face fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are gel-like substances injected under your skin to add volume, smooth out wrinkles, or enhance certain features like your lips, jawline, or cheeks. The most common types of fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a substance your body naturally produces to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Now that we know what they are, let’s talk about how long you can expect them to stick around.
Different Types of Fillers and Their Lifespan
Not all fillers are created equal. Their longevity depends on the material used. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types of fillers and how long they last:
1. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers
These are the most used fillers today. Brands include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero. HA fillers are fabulous because they are natural, flexible, and reversible, so you can go back to your previous look.
- Duration: 6 to 18 months, depending on the filler and type of tissue treated. For example:
- Lips: 6 to 12 months
- Cheeks: 12 to 18 months
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines): approximately 12 months
- Fun Fact: Your body gradually dissolves the filler over time. It does not simply disappear overnight; it takes time for that to happen.
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers
This one is very scientific, but in reality, it just describes a kind of filler that is a little thicker and longer lasting. It’s used by brands like Radiesse. It fills out thicker structural areas like the jaw or deep wrinkles.
- Duration: around 12 to 18 months
3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
This filler type works more by stimulating your body’s natural production of collagen, rather than just filling up. Sculptra is an example. These types take longer to show a result, but the results can be much longer-lived, as they are working overtime.
- Lifespan: 2 to 3 years
4. Permanent Fillers
Some fillers are permanent, such as silicone. But they are not much in practice due to the chances of complications increasing with them. What’s more, you can hardly make major modifications if you change your mind when something permanent is done.
- Longevity: Permanent but not used a lot
What Determines the Lifespan of Fillers
Okay, so now you know the general timeline for different types of fillers. But did you know other factors can impact how long your filler lasts? Here are a few:
- The Area Treated
Areas that move around a lot, like your lips, take out the filler faster. That is why lip fillers only last 6 to 12 months, and fillers in your cheeks or jawline last up to 18 months.
- Your Metabolism
If you’re one of the lucky ones who has a fast metabolism, your body will break down the filler faster. Similarly, if you have a slower metabolism, you might see your fillers last longer.
- The Type of Filler
As we said above, not all fillers last for the same period. Hyaluronic acid fillers last for a lesser period than collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.
- Your Lifestyle
You would be surprised to know that your lifestyle has a say in this. Regular exercise, excessive sun exposure, and smoking are some of the factors that affect the duration of the filler. For instance, high-intensity exercise can increase the rate at which fillers break down.
How to Make Your Fillers Last Longer
Want to get the most out of your fillers? Here’s some advice:
- Hydrate: Hydration before the hyaluronic acid-based fillers appears to prolong the results.
- Protect your skin: Use sunscreen; you do not want your filler to break down too quickly.
- Follow aftercare instructions: Your injector will give you specific aftercare advice. These can help your filler settle into place and last longer.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can speed up aging and break down the filler, so avoid it.
What happens when the filler wears off?
When the fillers wear off, your face does not look worse than before. You just revert to how you looked before fillers or a little better if the filler stimulated some collagen production. If you like it, you can schedule a touch-up.
Is It Time for Fillers?
If you are really considering trying to get fillers, make sure you go through a qualified individual who knows about their stuff because they will certainly help you choose what filler you need to create natural-looking features.
The beauty of fillers, though, is that they’re not permanent. So you can tweak, change, or take a break if you want. And with options lasting from as short as 6 months to as long as 3 years, there is something for everyone.
So, now that you have an idea about fillers, you can look for “best dermal fillers near me” to get it. Just remember, everyone’s face is different, so your filler experience will be unique, too!