Dermal fillers are an increasingly popular option for men and women interested in enhancing their natural beauty. From adding volume to lips and cheeks to smoothing out wrinkles and improving the contours of the jawline—there’s a filler for almost everyone’s aesthetic goals.
Dermal fillers are quite an investment, however, and prices can range between $500-$1500 for a full treatment, depending on the brand, type, and scope of the treatment desired. For such an expensive treatment, its important to know how long your fillers will last, and when to expect to need a touch-up. Read on for more details on how long a few of the most popular types of dermal fillers last.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a type of dermal filler commonly used to add volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours.
HA fillers are made of a gel-like substance containing hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the body in the skin and helps maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and volume. HA fillers add volume and moisture, plumping up the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. HA fillers are typically what’s used for lips and adding volume to cheeks.
One of the significant advantages of HA fillers is that they are well-tolerated by the body and break down naturally over time, and any adverse reactions are rare and usually temporary.
Some of the most well-known brands of HA fillers include JUVÉDERM® and Restylane, among others. These fillers come in various formulations with different consistencies, which make them suitable for different areas of the face and for various aesthetic goals. HA fillers are a versatile and effective option for non-surgical facial rejuvenation and enhancement, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime.
How Long Do Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers Last?
How long hyaluronic acid fillers last varies depending which specific product used, the area of injection, individual metabolism, and lifestyle factors. However, on average, hyaluronic acid fillers typically last between 6 – 18 months. Some newer formulations may have longer durations of effectiveness, lasting up to 2 years or more.
A few of the longest-lasting HA fillers include:
JUVÉDERM® Ultra XC:
This filler is commonly used for lip augmentation and to smooth moderate facial wrinkles and lines. Results can last up to 6-12 months.JUVÉDERM® Volbella XC:
Specifically designed for lip augmentation and the treatment of perioral lines (vertical lip lines), this filler can last up to 12 months or more.JUVÉDERM® Voluma XC:
This filler is formulated for adding volume to the cheeks and midface region. Results can last up to 18 months or more.JUVÉDERM® Vollure XC:
Used for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines), this filler can last up to 18 months.JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC:
This filler is used for lip augmentation and to smooth moderate facial wrinkles and lines, with results lasting up to 6-12 months.Restylane Lyft:
Similar to Voluma XC, Restylane Lyft is designed for adding volume to the cheeks and midface. Results can last up to 12-18 months.Restylane Defyne and Refyne:
These fillers are designed to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. Results can last up to 12 months.
Bioactive Dermal Fillers
Bioactive fillers, also known as bio-stimulatory fillers or collagen-stimulating fillers, are a type of dermal filler designed to not only add volume to the skin but also stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, bioactive fillers contain ingredients that encourage collagen synthesis, creating longer-lasting results.
One of the key components found in many bioactive fillers is calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), a mineral-like compound that is naturally present in the bones. When injected into the skin, CaHA particles provide immediate volume enhancement while also stimulating collagen production over time. As collagen levels increase, the skin’s structure and elasticity improve, resulting in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
Bioactive fillers are often used to rejuvenate the face, ie the correction of deep wrinkles, volume loss, and contouring cheeks, chin, and temple areas.
How Long Do Bioactive Dermal Fillers Last?
One of the advantages of bioactive fillers is their longevity. While traditional hyaluronic acid fillers typically last several months to a year, bioactive fillers can last even longer, with results lasting up to 12-24 months or more. Additionally, because these fillers stimulate collagen production, the improvements in skin quality may continue beyond the initial treatment period.
Some common brands of bioactive fillers include Radiesse and Ellanse, which contain calcium hydroxylapatite and polycaprolactone, respectively. These fillers are FDA-approved and have been used safely and effectively for facial rejuvenation and enhancement.
Radiesse:
Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler that stimulates collagen production and provides volume enhancement. Results can last up to 12-18 months or longer in some cases.Ellanse:
Ellanse is composed of polycaprolactone microspheres suspended in a gel carrier. It stimulates collagen production and can last up to 12-24 months or more.- Bellafill
Contains a combination of bovine collagen gel and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres and can last up to 5 years or more.
Get the Most Out of Your Dermal Fillers
How long dermal fillers last is partly due to the specific dermal fillers used, but it also comes down to how well you take care of your skin and your treatments. Regardless of the type of dermal filler, touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain optimal results over time. Additionally, lifestyle plays an important part—factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and skincare routines can affect the longevity of your dermal fillers.
Ultimately, your DermaBlue injector will carefully explain how to care for your dermal fillers and when to plan for touch up treatments. During a free 30-minute consultation, they can help you determine which filler will be right for your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Contact us to schedule your free aesthetic consult today!
Dermal Filler FAQs
Bioactive fillers tend to last longer than hyaluronic acid fillers due to their structure. They typically last between 1 and 3 years. However, JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA XC can last up to 2 years.
Permanent dermal fillers were more frequently used in the 90s, however the permanence can cause issues for patients, especially as the face ages around the filler. Many modern fillers are designed to be reversible in case of emergencies or changes in aesthetic goals.
