When Will Dermal Filler Results Start to Show?

Patients who are looking for a relatively quick fix for their facial imperfections can turn to dermal filler injections. This cosmetic treatment involves placing a soft tissue filler on the desired treatment area and it usually provides instant skin plumping and smoothing effects.

So how long does it usually take for dermal fillers to settle and start showing results? The onset of dermal filler results can vary depending on the material used. An injectable filler may take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks to settle on the treatment site, but you may already see subtle improvements immediately after the procedure.

How Long Do You Need to Wait to See Dermal Filler Results?

One of the most popular anti-wrinkle procedures today is a dermal filler treatment. Like Botox cosmetic treatments, fillers are a type of injectable that can be used to enhance any part of the face without plastic surgery. Some of the most common areas where they can be placed are the lips, cheeks, jawline, nose, temple, forehead, nasolabial fold, and under-eye hollows or tear troughs.

Under the hands of a skilled practitioner, getting dermal fillers should be a safe and low-risk experience. Additionally, a master injector can help provide the best possible results for your dermal filler treatment. A successful dermal filler procedure should be able to start showing results within 1 to 2 weeks from the treatment.

However, you can already appreciate subtle changes immediately after receiving the injections. Once the fillers are properly placed, your skin will begin to look visibly plump and supple within 24 to 48 hours of the injection. Its effects will continue to improve as the material settles in your facial tissues and absorbs water to enhance skin moisture and appearance. Since it’s not cosmetic surgery, it’s normal to wait for its final results for up to 2 weeks.

Factors That Influence The Onset of Effects From Dermal Filler Injections

Dermal fillers are a convenient cosmetic procedure and it’s one of the best minimally invasive treatments that have no downtime. Regardless, most providers are responsible for managing their patient’s expectations since dermal filler results can vary per individual. There are also other factors that may affect the onset of effects of the injectables:

1. Side Effects

Since there’s no downtime needed, most dermal filler patients can resume their normal activities after receiving the injections. However, there are still some side effects that you may experience from the procedure. The most common reaction is minor swelling and this also contributes to the initial plumpness that you see from the treatment.

Normally, swelling from dermal fillers should go away on their own within a few days. Once it subsides and the filler material begins to settle, you’ll be able to see the actual volume that’s been added by the injectable. If you want to quickly see the results of your dermal filler, you can apply a cold compress or ice pack to aid in your recovery and reduce swelling.

Other side effects that you may have from fillers are bruising, redness, pain, tenderness, lumps, and minor itching. While these aftereffects can also resolve on their own, there are ways you can manage them to ease your discomfort and help your results appear quickly.

2. Type of Filler Used

Another factor that may influence your treatment results is the type of dermal filler used. Fillers can be made of different natural or synthetic substances that are formulated to create soft gel materials. The onset of results and the longevity of the fillers can also be determined by its active ingredients.

	Brand names	What’s unique about them	How long to see its effects	How long they usually last
Hyaluronic acid filler	Restylane filler products, such as Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, and Restylane Refyne Juvederm Vollure XC, Juvederm Ultra XC, Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Volbella Belotero Balance	HA fillers are made of a naturally-occurring substance that provides skin hydration. They’re usually soft and have a gel-like consistency that can be molded into the face.	Can take anywhere from a few days up to 2 to 4 weeks	On average, an HA filler can last for 6 to 18 months and may require touch-up treatments to maintain its effects
PLLA filler	Sculptra Aesthetic	Injectable poly-L-lactic acid fillers have a collagen stimulating effect which can provide a longer-lasting result	Usually takes around 4 to 6 weeks since it spurs new collagen growth to provide desirable effects	This type of filler injection can last from 12 months to 2 years
Calcium hydroxylapatite filler	Radiesse	This kind of filler is made of smooth CaHa microspheres that are suspended in a gel, giving it a thicker consistency compared to HA fillers	Results typically start to show within 1 to 2 weeks	Its effects can last from 12 to 18 months

3. Injector Skill

Your provider’s skill and experience in dermal fillers can also determine the success and results of your procedure. It’s important that you choose a cosmetic practitioner or dermatologist who’s trained in the best techniques for dermal fillers.

They should also have appropriate knowledge of facial anatomy so they can properly evaluate your face and know where to best place the filler materials to provide the enhancements that you desire. Additionally, having a skilled practitioner perform your fillers can reduce the risks of adverse effects and complications.

Why Do Facial Fillers Take Weeks To Show Effects?

Aside from the aforementioned factors, another possible reason why dermal fillers take time to produce results is that it has to fully integrate with your facial tissues. During the waiting period, the filler material gets absorbed by the skin and it will begin to settle into your tissues and add volume to your face.

If you receive hyaluronic acid-based fillers, these products will need time to bind to water to provide fullness and improve facial shape. It also helps retain hydration to keep your skin moisturized and enhance the final effects of your procedure.

In the case of Sculptra injections, this filler is a biostimulator and it’s normal for its results to start showing within 2 to 3 months since that’s the period it takes for new collagen to grow. It encourages your body to continuously produce fresh collagen which is helpful for improving your wrinkles and fine lines and restoring lost facial volume.

Can You Do Anything To Make Fillers Settle Quickly?

Although dermal fillers can provide visible improvements immediately, there’s no method that can help the material settle quickly in the treatment area. When you want to have this procedure, it’s important to set your expectations and be ready to wait for several weeks before you can fully enjoy its effects.

However, there are some aftercare practices that you can do to help your skin heal faster and allow the filler to settle smoothly:

• Avoid direct sun exposure and don’t use tanning beds or sauna rooms for at least 48 hours.
• Rest and avoid doing any strenuous activity for at least 2 days since they may prolong bruising.
• Don’t rub, touch, or massage the treated area for up to 72 hours to avoid moving the fillers.
• Apply topical treatments, such as Arnica gel, for at least a week to minimize swelling and bruising.
• Avoid getting other cosmetic procedures, such as a facial, laser treatment, chemical peel, or microneedling for 2 weeks.

Are The Results From Dermal Fillers Permanent?

Dermal fillers are only a temporary solution to your facial wrinkles, fine lines, and other skin concerns. Compared to a facial plastic surgery that can augment or alter your appearance permanently, a filler injection usually provides short-term enhancements. Its effects will gradually wear off as the gel material is metabolized by the body.

There are also other factors that can cause your dermal fillers to break down faster. Here are some of the things that can affect the longevity of your treatment:

• Facial movement - Dermal fillers that are placed in areas with less movement and expressions may last longer than those with frequent mobility and strain. For example, a lip filler is more prone to diminishing quickly since the mouth area is involved in a lot of movements such as talking, eating, and kissing. Your fillers may last longer in the temples or tear troughs which have limited movements.
• Metabolism - Your body’s metabolism may also affect how long the filler takes effect on your appearance. Generally, people with higher metabolic processes may break down the filler material faster which may lead to shorter results.
• Sun exposure - Staying out in the sun for an extended period of time exposes you to harmful UV rays which can cause your fillers to disintegrate faster. They can also decrease your collagen production which can speed up the skin aging process and reverse the effects of the fillers.
• Filler material - Your choice of injectable dermal filler can also determine the results of your treatment. If you want a longer-lasting enhancement, you should choose semi-permanent fillers such as Sculptra or Radiesse. Hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and require follow-up treatments to sustain its effects.

Ways to Extend The Effects of Dermal Fillers

Most patients are already satisfied with the results of their initial dermal filler session and require minimal maintenance to keep its effects. However, if you want to prolong the life of your dermal fillers, here are some helpful tips that you can do:

• Combine dermal fillers with other procedures - Facial fillers are safe and can be performed with other treatments to get better results. One of the popular combination treatments is dermal filler and a Botox injection that works wonders for both static and dynamic wrinkles. You can also get a nonsurgical facelift with filler and PDO threads for a more youthful look.
• Practice a good skincare routine - You should also update your skin care regimen and use products that can hydrate your face after a dermal filler procedure. You can also incorporate serums, toners, and creams with active ingredients that can support collagen production. It’s best to consult with your dermatologist to determine which products best suit your skin type.
• Manage your daily stress - As much as possible, you should determine your stressors and know how to manage them. When you constantly experience high levels of stress, the aging process accelerates which can reduce the effects of your fillers.
• Minimize physical activity - Staying healthy and fit is important, however over-exercising may cause your fillers to diminish faster. If you want to work out, make sure to do light routines that will have minimal impact on the results of your treatment.

Get Beautiful, Long-Lasting Dermal Filler Results From Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Dermal fillers are one of the best treatment options if you need a convenient and quick procedure for facial rejuvenation. It doesn’t require any recovery period and most of all, it can provide instantaneous results. At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we can provide a customized treatment plan that can efficiently address your skin concerns and aesthetic goals.

As a premier medical spa, we have a selection of the best dermal filler products that can be used for your procedure. Our experienced team will make sure to give you a comfortable filler experience and answer any queries you may have about the treatment. Contact us today to book your initial consultation and learn more about how you can reap the benefits of dermal fillers.