How Long Do Dermal Fillers Really Last? Your Full Guide

If you’ve had dermal fillers before, or you’ve considered trying them, you probably know already that they can change your appearance by 180 degrees. Bring back the facial contour you used to have as a teen or perhaps restore the smooth lines of your face, not to mention plumping your lips.

There are many benefits associated with these fillers. And the good news is that you can now shop dermal fillers online, so you have a bit of variety in terms of prices and quality. But then, how long do dermal fillers last? How often should you get them? Here’s everything you need to know about treatment longevity, maintenance, and realistic timelines.

Before you even start to shop dermal fillers online, you should decide where they go. Like other cosmetic procedures, this one requires planning. So, how long do dermal fillers last? The truth is there’s no such thing as a general answer. Some of them could last for half a year, while others could last for 18 months. It depends largely on movement and tissue density in that specific area. In his interview with Resident, Dr. Bryan Forley discusses hyaluronic acid fillers, including their use in different facial areas and how long results may last.

• Lips. There are plenty of options for lips when you look to shop dermal fillers online. This is probably the most common option out there. However, lips move all the time whenever you talk, eat, smile, or drink. Mobility is extremely high, so the breakdown is fast too. That’s why lip fillers last six months to a year, meaning you will need more frequent refreshers to keep the volume plump.

• Chin and jawline. Despite all the movements of the jaw, the mechanical element won’t affect the skin or where the fillers go. The placement is quite deep. Plus, it’s a firm area, so you won’t need to readjust too often. That’s why dermal fillers in this area last 12 to 18 months.

• Under your eyes. When you shop dermal fillers online for tear troughs, you’ll usually get soft and sensitive products. This area is soft and thin. Besides, it moves a lot too with every blink and squint. These layers can be quite durable, but not as durable as firmer areas. Such dermal fillers last nine to 12 months.

• Cheeks. Any area around the cheeks and the middle of your face will normally last. There’s not much movement involved, so dermal fillers won’t be exposed to rapid breakdown. This means that if injected correctly, the fillers should last 12 to 18 months. Sometimes, even longer, especially when high density lifting gels are used.

• Smile lines. Dermal fillers in smile lines will last nine to 12 months due to the moderate facial movement area.

Quality is extremely important when you shop dermal fillers online. But on the same note, there are other things that can affect their lifespan long after the procedure is finished.

• Product itself. Fine and soft gels break down very slowly, so they provide extra longevity.

• Metabolism. If you have a fast metabolic rate, the material will be cleared much quicker.

• Injection depth. Superficial lines at the surface won’t last as long as deep injections near the bone.

• Frequency. Getting dermal fillers regularly will usually require less product than if you do it rarely.

Stay away from intense heat, such as saunas, direct sunlight or hot showers, for about 48 hours after getting the dermal fillers in. Heat boosts the blood flow, so the metabolism will go faster.

Avoid the gym for a couple of days too for the same reason. Increased blood circulation is the last thing you want after getting dermal fillers as heavy exertion and strain can shift the gel before it settles.

Don’t touch or massage the area. Also, try to sleep on your back. Any pressure on the targeted area could reduce longevity.

Whether you get dermal fillers from your local shop or you shop for dermal fillers online, you should stick to a series of healthy habits to enhance their longevity.

Drink plenty of water because they absorb it and hold onto it. Hydration keeps them going for months. Sunscreen is extremely important too to prevent UV radiation from degrading collagen networks and skin elasticity. Also, avoid bad habits, such as smoking or alcohol. No one says you can’t have a glass of wine every now and then, but don’t exaggerate.

Finally, stress promotes the production of cortisol. The stress hormone breaks down collagen, so your dermal fillers may not be able to compensate for the loss as overall tissue volume weakens

As for long-term maintenance, make sure to adopt a healthy lifestyle with no bad habits.

Also, dermal fillers tend to last longer if you do occasional touch-ups. Basically, it’s better to show up every six or 12 months and get some extra than wait for a few years before doing it again. It’s some sort of maintenance that also feels cheaper in the long run.

As a short final conclusion, it makes no difference if you shop dermal fillers online or locally. How long they last depends on their quality, how deep they go, their thickness, your body’s metabolism and daily habits for care and maintenance.

Normally, most dermal fillers can last between six and 18 months, but some of them can last even longer with the right level of care and consistent routine.