You’ve spent enough time gazing at your face on Zoom over the past couple of years to decide that your face could use a little …something. And after some research and consultation with an expert, you’ve chosen dermal fillers, deciding they’re the best way to refresh your appearance. But fillers are going to require a bit of a financial commitment, especially if you plan to keep getting them on a regular or semi-regular basis. So, how long do fillers last? Here’s everything you need to know.
How long do fillers last?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some fillers may last for six months, while others may last as long as several years. It depends on the type of fillers, and where it’s used. “Filler gradually degrades and gradually decreases, and sometimes it doesn’t always go back to zero, so that’s an important part of the assessment process,” says Jason Clark, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Atlanta. “And it varies from patient to patient.” You might want to consider this dermal filler classification chart to get a sense of the average lifespan of various types of cosmetic fillers:
Temporary. Temporary fillers typically last between three and 18months. Popular hyaluronic fillers like Juvederm and Restylane fit into this category.Semi-permanent. Semi-permanent fillers might last as long as two years. Poly-L-lactic acid filler like Sculptra and calcium hydroxylapatite filler like Radiesse fit into this category.Permanent. An example of a permanent filler is Bellafill, a filler comprised of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with collagen, which is designed to last as long as five years.
But here’s an interesting possibility to consider. The filler might last longer when injected into an area of the face where there’s not a lot of movement. Here’s why: location matters. And so does the composition of the filler itself. Take hyaluronic acid filler, a very popular type of filler. Molecules within the hyaluronic acid are bound together, or cross-linked, to stabilize the substance. Cross-linking prevents the filler from breaking down too quickly when it’s injected into your face. But when you move that part of your face frequently, it tends to break down the cross-linked particles in the filler that’s been injected there. As a result, the filler will be more likely to break down faster, says Stephen Hess, MD, medical director of Center City Dermatology in Philadelphia. So, a filler that’s injected along the jawline or cheekbone may last longer than a filler injected around the mouth, where there’s a lot of motion. But even within the category of HA fillers, the amount of cross-linking, as well as the agents used to achieve the cross-linking, can vary, according to Investigative Dermatology and Venereology Research. And there can be variations from person to person, too, adds Dr. Hess. “Some patients metabolize filler more quickly than others,” he says. You won’t really know for sure until you try it.
The cost factor
Yes, fillers can be expensive. Getting fillers may not seem as expensive as a one-and-done type of procedure like a rhinoplasty because you aren’t paying the full cost upfront or even right afterward. You’re spreading out the costs over time. You may spend several thousands of dollars per year on fillers—one syringe can cost between $1,000 and $2,600—and if you continue doing that, the costs can add up. But you don’t want to choose a filler (or other procedure) based solely on cost. “I would caution people to still do what’s medically appropriate, not what’s just financially appropriate,” says Dr. Matarasso, noting that side effects are possible from this type of treatment. “It’s still a medical treatment.” You also want to consider the entire result that you’re going for, notes Tara Adashev, NP, a nurse practitioner who works in the practice of Neinstein Plastic Surgery in New York. It might be better to stretch out the time between injections, rather than skip addressing part of your face at your next visit and risk throwing off your whole look. “If you’re painting a picture, you want the completed look,” says Adashev. But if cost is a concern, as it is for many people, definitely talk to your provider about your budget. Together you can develop a plan that should accommodate your budget and your desire to improve your appearance. Next up:You’ve Probably Heard About Laser Skin Resurfacing for Aging Skin, but Should You Try It? Derms Weigh In
Sources:
Tara Adashev, NP. Neinstein Plastic SurgeryBasics of Dermal Fillers. Investigative Dermatology and Venereology ResearchJason Clark, MD. Clark Laser & Cosmetic DermatologyCross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Fillers. Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryFillers for the Improvement in Acne Scars. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational DermatologyStephen Hess, MD. Center City DermatologyAlan Matarasso, MD. Past President of American Society of Plastic SurgeonsSoft Tissue Filler for Acne Scars. American Society for Dermatologic SurgeryWhat you need to know about dermal fillers. American Society of Plastic Surgeons
