How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Last?

Your skin changes with age. As you grow up, you start to really see major changes in your skin – facial wrinkles, prominent veins, lost volume, and whatnot. Back then, facial plastic surgery was the only anti-aging procedure available, but times have changed. You can now get temporary hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers that improve your skin quality and radiance. The best part is that there’s no downtime, and you’ll see results immediately.

But how long exactly do the results of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers last? Depending on which area it was injected in, as well as other factors, HA dermal fillers can last from 6 to 18 months. There are many ways to increase filler longevity: minimize sun exposure, religiously follow your skincare regimen, avoid stress inducers, and schedule maintenance treatments.

The Longevity of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectables that combat signs of aging (lines, wrinkles, furrows, folds, and the like). You may opt for lip fillers, tummy tuck, plumping of nasolabial fold, or rejuvenate other features with, specifically, face fillers that have hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring compound that hydrates the body, keeping your skin moisturized and supple. As you age, the body becomes less adept at producing HA and thus forms wrinkles and creases. It’s one of the most common ingredients of dermal fillers and is also temporary, typically lasting up to eighteen months depending on which area of the body it’s injected.

How Long Do Filler Procedures Take?

The entire facial filler procedure is quick – about 30 to 45 minutes – and shouldn’t be too painful. Prior to the dermal filler injection, you might be given a topical anesthetic in case you have low pain tolerance. HA is then injected into the targeted areas using fine needles. The natural acid then attracts water molecules, resulting in a plumping effect. You should be able to notice an improvement almost immediately after the dermal filler treatment.

The benefits of HA don’t just stop at having a youthful appearance. When injected, HA penetrates further into the skin to give it added moisture and better elasticity. Meanwhile, serious side effects are rare since your body naturally contains HA already. But just to be safe, arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment.

Why Are Filler Results Temporary?

Just like how your body breaks down naturally occurring enzymes, like hyaluronic acid, your body will also break down the HA filler over time. The speed of the breaking down process depends on your metabolism. Furthermore, fillers tend to last longer in areas that you move less.

Filler Longevity vs. Results Longevity

Now to fill you in on filler longevity versus results longevity: How long the results of an injectable dermal filler varies between individuals. Results depend on a multitude of factors. You have to take into account things like your lifestyle, skin type, sun exposure, age, brand, and the amount of filler.

HA dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM and Restylane can last for six to twelve months. Say, for instance, two jabs of Restylane Lift will last longer than one jab, even though it was applied to the same cheeks.

As mentioned, every patient has a different metabolism rate. Restylane Defyne may last for nine months in the facial wrinkles of a patient that has fast metabolism, whereas another patient could see results for a year.

How to Increase the Lifespan of Your HA Dermal Filler

1. Minimize UV Exposure

Consistent protection against the ultraviolet rays of the sun can maintain the results of any facial treatment. Should you need to be outdoors, use protective clothing and wear sunscreen (at least SPF 45).

2. Have a Skincare Regimen

Follow a regular skincare routine that uses anti-aging products to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Also, reduce unhealthy habits like smoking cigarettes as much as possible. This may cause unnecessary damage to your skin that results in premature lines and wrinkles.

3. Avoid Stress

Although it may be difficult to avoid, stress actually makes you look years older. Minimizing stress-inducers and incorporating stress relief techniques (like meditation and yoga) can have positive effects on your body.

4. Practice Regular Maintenance

If you choose to get dermal fillers, you have to be committed even way after the procedure. Undergoing a maintenance treatment as often as your doctor recommends can enhance the effects of injectables and can sometimes train your body to respond more effectively to the substances.

Are Dermal Fillers Reversible?

Yes, dermal filler injections are fully reversible. If necessary, your doctor can use hyaluronidase to completely dissolve your HA dermal fillers. Take note, however, that some types of dermal fillers, such as Sculpta and Radiesse, cannot be completely removed in one go. You’ll have to gradually carry out treatments until you reach your desired results. So always do your due diligence.

Side Effects of Filler Treatments

The side effects of dermal fillers are minimal. You may experience mild bruising and swelling, as well as the following:

• Swelling or bruising
• Temporary redness or numbness
• Lumps or hard areas
• Hypersensitivity

While these side effects will subside after a few days, you may opt to use icing and massage to provide relief. You may ask a doctor at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics about proper aftercare instructions.

Examples of FDA Approved HA Fillers

Although all hyaluronic dermal fillers have the same base molecule, manufacturers change its physical and chemical properties to alter results. Some examples include Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero.

1. Restylane products

Products: Restylane, Restylane Silk, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, and Restylane Defyne

Restylane is a versatile filler that is usually chosen for lip filler patients, although it may also be injected in other areas of the face. Its line of products focuses on different skin needs (i.e., Restylane Lyft corrects volume deficiency in the hands and Restylane Silk is for wrinkles around the mouth).

2. Juvéderm products

Products: Juvéderm XC, VOLUMA, VOLLURE, VOLBELLA

Juvéderm addresses a range of aesthetic concerns, including nasolabial folds, parentheses lines, and lost facial volume. Similar to Restylane, Juvéderm is a group of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers, with each product specializing in its own facial solution. For example, Juvéderm Voluma XC adds volume to the midface area and Juvéderm Volbella is for lip augmentation and correction of mouth lines.

3. Belotero Balance

Belotero Balance is a soft and cohesive gel best suited for fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the mouth area – smile lines, lip lines, chin wrinkles, and the like. Depending on the area, some fillers work better than others. A doctor at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics may help you determine which brand is most suitable for your situation. For an idea on the longevity of each brand above, here are their timelines:

Dermal Filler	Longevity
Juvederm VOLUMA	About 2 years with a touch-up treatment after a year
Juvederm ULTRA and ULTRA PLUS	About a year, with a possible touch-up at 6 to 9 months
Juvederm VOLLURE	Approximately 12 to 18 months
Juvederm VOLBELLA	About a year
Restylane Lyft, Refyne, and Defyne	About a year, with a possible touch-up at 6 to 9 months
Restylane-L	Approximately 5 to 7 months
Restylane Silk	Approximately 6 to 10 months
Belotero Balance	Approximately 6 to 12months

Can You Combine Other Injectables With Dermal Fillers for A Better Result?

It depends, as — hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are generally versatile. This means that integrating HA with other aesthetic treatments can make dramatic changes to your appearance. A combined and complementary approach may improve results and even increase your fillers’ longevity.

Keep in mind that some ingredients may not mix well or interact appropriately with the ingredients of another injectable filler. Do your research on which aesthetic treatments you can take at the same time. Meanwhile, here are some possible combinations:

• Hyaluronic acid + BOTOX
• Hyaluronic acid + botulinum filler
• Hyaluronic acid filler + non-ablative blepharoplasty
• Hyaluronic acid + filler laser treatment
• Hyaluronic acid filler + microfocused ultrasound
• Hyaluronic acid filler + adsorbable traction threads
• Multiple hyaluronic acid fillers

With Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, there’s no need to worry about which aesthetic treatment you should do first. We will work with you to determine the best and safest treatment plan for your beauty needs.

Right Age to Start With Dermal Fillers

You don’t have to wait for your forties to achieve the look of your dreams. Regardless of age – even if you haven’t been noticing wrinkles and sagging skin – you can always start your anti-aging regimen with non-invasive injectable treatments. It prevents unwanted signs of aging and improves your self-confidence for as long as possible. Just make sure your lifestyle decisions and family history are in check.

If your skin has already succumbed to the inevitable, hyaluronic dermal fillers could help you turn back time. Older men and women produce very little, if any, collagen and so dermal fillers could help reverse the aging process, at least on the outside.

Find the Best Dermal Filler for You at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Hyaluronic dermal fillers are changing how men and women age. It’s a temporary anti-aging solution that can last up to eighteen months, depending on your filler composition and lifestyle choices. With the experts at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, you’ll feel revitalized and look years younger in no time.

Filler injections, although non-invasive, still require medical expertise to ensure a safe procedure and a natural-looking finish. At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, our medical experts have extensive experience with dermal fillers, as well as other cosmetic procedures, that will give your skin the boost it needs. Arrange a no-obligation consultation with us today.