One of the most common questions we hear at Mabrie Facial Institute in San Francisco is “How long do fillers last?” To understand the answer, we have to consider more than just the physical or chemical properties of the products.
Filler Longevity vs.
Results
Longevity
What patients really want to know is how long their results will last after getting filler injections. This distinction is important.
Factors that influence how long a filler lasts after injection include:
You can enjoy visible facial rejuvenation or contouring results even after the body absorbs the specific filler injected.
Here’s why: Filler injections can stimulate collagen production in the treatment area. That means your own body is producing a substance that restores volume in the area. How great is that?
One phenomenon we’ve observed at Mabrie Facial Institute is that our patients tend to enjoy improvements lasting years—sometimes even after they’ve discontinued treatment. The following patient is a great example of the remarkable longevity of under-eye fillers:
Before treatment 1 month after first treatment After 3rd treatment over 2 years 4 years after 3rd treatmentThe final photo was taken 4 years after her previous treatment, and her results still look perfect! That means her filler results lasted 7x longer than anticipated!
Here’s another example of a patient whose results seem to last indefinitely:
Before treatment 1 month after midface/under-eye treatment Patient after 3rd treatment over 3 months 1 year after 3rd treatmentWe’re seeing that tear trough filler results can last more than 12 months, especially with the support provided by our Midface Rejuvenation package. This is much longer than the 6-month intervals for tear trough filler maintenance that we once recommended.
How Can You Make Your Fillers Last Longer?
Fillers gradually degrade during the initial few months after being injected. Because fillers absorb water, you can still see the results. But at about the midpoint of the expected duration of the fillers, you’ll start to notice the filler’s decreased volume.
Can you get more mileage from your fillers? By anticipating the decreasing volume through a phased approach, Mabrie Facial Institute extends the life of your results. We create personalized treatment plans for each of our facial rejuvenation and contouring patients. Our packages are designed to prolong results and include 2 treatment appointments. We build and layer the fillers during these treatments.
Our Illumination 360° approach to non surgical facial rejuvenation and contouring includes creating a comprehensive, multi-phase treatment plan that’s designed to provide long-lasting results with touch-up treatments every 9 to 12 months. As the fillers stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen, patients begin seeing results lasting longer. Additionally, we’re able to use less product to maintain the results, which remain looking fresh and, ideally, no one experiences a “gap” in their results.
Although our approach is to keep you looking your best 24/7/365, we can make generalizations about how long fillers last based on the treatment area.
Results using a hyaluronic acid-based filler can last 12 months or even longer when treating the tear trough area under the eyes. Restylane is a common choice for under the eyes because it’s firm enough to support the thinner skin in that area.
Using a hyaluronic acid filler such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® creates results that can last 24 months. A touch-up treatment at 12 months helps maintain and prolong the results. VOLUMA and RADIESSE® are thicker gels that provide the lift that cheeks need to look more youthful. RADIESSE lasts approximately 15 months, with a touch-up treatment at 7 months. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator that produces gradual results that last 2 years or more.
Non surgical rhinoplasty using a hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane can last up to 12 months or even longer with maintenance treatments at 6 months and follow-up appointments scheduled at approximately 9 to 12 months. Restylane is a firm, thinner gel that enables the injector to sculpt and shape nasal skin more effectively than thicker fillers.
Lip augmentation using fillers can last up to 12 months or more with multiple treatments. It can typically take 3 treatments to get the desired outcome because filler used in the first couple of treatments may get compressed. Restylane, Restylane Silk, and JUVÉDERM are popular fillers for lip enhancement. These are softer gels. Restylane Kysse is an exciting newer option that offers natural movement and expression, along with results that last up to 12 months.
Hyaluronic acid fillers can produce results that last a total of 1 year, with a touch-up treatment at 6 months. Most fillers can get good results in this area, but hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if they are accidentally injected into a blood vessel (a rare complication).
Chin augmentation using fillers, such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA, RADIESSE, or a combination of products, can produce results that last between 15 and 24 months with touch-up treatments. Chin enhancement creates a well-defined profile that both men and women desire.
Ready to get started on your treatments? Set up a consultation now.
How Long Do Different Fillers Last?
When the FDA approves a filler, it indicates how long the results can be expected to last. While actual longevity may vary from the FDA’s guidelines, the guidelines provide a good benchmark for expert injectors when they create treatment plans for patients. Multiple filler materials exist, including fat, and they behave differently after being injected.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
What are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers?
A substance that is naturally found in the skin, hyaluronic acid is the most popular filler material. It‘s used in JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® products, and BELOTERO BALANCE®. It hydrates the skin and smooths wrinkles and creases.
How long do hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers last?
Patients often ask “How long does Restylane last?” or “How long does JUVÉDERM last?” While it depends on the formulation, the gel-like material typically lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or longer. The material gradually breaks down and the body naturally absorbs the particles.
Calcium
Hydroxylapatite
Fillers
What are calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers?
This substance naturally occurs in the body–primarily in the bones. RADIESSE is an FDA-approved filler formulated with CaHA. The microscopic particles are suspended in a smooth, thick gel.
How long do calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers last?
The filler typically lasts about 12 months, and it also triggers the body to produce more of its own collagen.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers
What are poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers?
This synthetic filler is made using a biocompatible, biodegradable substance (it’s safe to use in the body). PLLA was commonly used in medical devices before the FDA approved its use as an anti-wrinkle treatment. PLLA is usually injected deeper than other fillers and works by stimulating collagen production. Sculptra® Aesthetic is the most commonly used PLLA filler in the United States.
How long do poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers last?
The gel in which the PLLA is carried dissipates after only a couple of days, but the results can last more than 2 years.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers
What are polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers?
This is also a biocompatible material with a long track record of being used safely in medical implants and other devices. Bellafill® is a collagen-based filler with PMMA microspheres that provides structural support and produces smoother skin.
How long do polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) fillers last?
Results can last more than 5 years when used to correct nasolabial folds because the microspheres remain in place even as the body reabsorbs the collagen gel.
Fat Injections/Fat Grafting
What are fat injections/fat grafting?
Facial fat grafting involves using liposuction to harvest fat from another area of the body, then purifying it and injecting it into the face. Purified fat can be used in multiple areas of the face.
How long do fat injections last?
Fat grafting is considered a permanent procedure, but not all the transferred fat survives the process, making results difficult to predict. Sometimes multiple treatments are required.
A Final Word
It‘s important to remember that our faces continue to lose volume as we age, so maintaining the optimal results involves adding additional volume. By not waiting until the filler is completely absorbed, we use less filler for maintenance.
To get more information about fillers, contact us online or call us at (415) 322-3307. Our knowledgeable Concierge Team is available to answer any of your questions and schedule your appointment.
We hope to see you soon.
Until then, stay beautiful!
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