How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
Dermal fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment used to restore facial volume, smooth lines, and enhance contours without surgery. One of the most common questions patients ask during a dermal filler treatment is: how long do dermal fillers last? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of filler, where it's injected, and your body's natural metabolism. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about dermal filler longevity, so you can make confident choices in your cosmetic procedure journey.
What Are Dermal Fillers Made Of?
Most modern injectable fillers are made from hyaluronic acid-based fillers, a gel-like substance that occurs naturally in the skin and helps it retain moisture and volume. Popular FDA-approved fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are well known for their safety, reversibility, and natural movement in the skin.
Other injectable substances used include:
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) – found in Radiesse, ideal for deeper injections and cheek injection treatments. It also encourages the production of collagen.
- Poly-L-lactic acid fillers – found in Sculptra, stimulate long-term collagen production and offer gradual volume restoration.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – a semi-permanent filler used in Bellafill, providing long-lasting results for deeper wrinkles.
Each filler material has unique properties that influence how it behaves once injected.
How Do Dermal Fillers Work?
Dermal filler injections target soft tissues and connective tissues beneath the skin to instantly add additional volume, correct volume loss, and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
• Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers attract and bind water molecules to keep skin hydrated, leading to smoother skin and a plumper texture.
• Fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse promote the production of collagen, improving skin texture and elasticity over time.
According to Dermatologic Surgery, HA fillers are effective, well-tolerated, and provide high patient satisfaction (Gold et al., 2007).
What Affects How Long Fillers Last?
Several factors affect the longevity of injectable treatments:
• Metabolism – Breaks down injectable fillers at different rates person to person.
• Injection site – Areas like the lips or under the eyes may absorb filler faster than Dermal cheek fillers.
• Filler thickness – Thicker fillers used in cheek injection or jawline contouring last longer.
• Lifestyle – Sun exposure, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use may reduce duration.
• Dosage & technique – The amount used in your initial treatment and the injector’s skill can impact results.
Types of Fillers and Their Longevity
The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the types of filler used and the area treated:
• Juvederm Ultra / Restylane (HA fillers): 6–12 months
• Juvederm Voluma / Restylane Lyft (thicker HA fillers): 12–18 months
• Radiesse (CaHA): 12–18 months
• Sculptra (Poly-L-lactic acid): 18–24 months (gradual facial volume restoration)
• Bellafill (PMMA): Up to 5 years (semi-permanent)
Areas with frequent facial movements, such as lip filler or nose filler injections, may break down faster than areas like cheek filler or eye filler treatments such as tear troughs.
Tailored Treatments in Your City
We understand that convenience is key, which is why our tailored Dermal Filler treatments are available across multiple locations:
- Dermal Fillers in London: Conveniently located in Central London, our clinic provides premium Dermal Filler treatments for clients in Westminster, Kensington, and surrounding areas.
- Dermal Fillers in Leeds: A Leading Choice for Clients in Yarm, York, Harrogate, Bradford, and Beyond.
- Dermal Fillers in Manchester: Serving clients from Altrincham, Didsbury, Prestbury, and other Greater Manchester areas.
Looking for other treatments in your area? Explore our pages for Botox London, Botox Leeds, or Botox Manchester for more information.
What You Can Do to Help Your Filler Treatment Last Longer
While you can’t stop natural breakdown completely, you can take steps to extend the longevity of lip fillers and other treatments:
• Use SPF daily to reduce UV exposure that weakens skin and filler structure.
• Stay hydrated to support healthy skin texture.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which can accelerate filler breakdown.
• Use good skincare—look for products with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.
• Avoid pressure on the treatment area for a few days after treatment.
• Maintain regular treatment intervals before full breakdown occurs.
• Always choose a qualified practitioner with experience in medical cosmetic procedures to reduce your risk of complications.
What Happens to Fillers Over Time?
Over a period of time, dermal lip filler treatment or facial filler injections gradually break down and are absorbed by the body. This results in a soft fading of results rather than an abrupt change.
• With HA fillers, you may notice softening within 9–12 months in high-movement areas like the lips.
• Poly-L-lactic acid fillers and CaHA fillers may leave behind a collagen boost that lasts beyond the filler itself.
• If needed, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.
BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION
The duration of your dermal filler treatment can vary based on the filler material, injection site, lifestyle, and more. Results generally last between 6 months and 2 years, though some popular fillers like Bellafill offer longer-term results. Understanding these factors helps you get the most from your aesthetic treatments and maintain a youthful appearance.
If you’re interested in facial fillers, from lip enhancement to eye filler and everything in between, book a consultation with Dr. Ahmed at The Aesthetics Doctor to personalise your plan and enjoy confident, natural-looking results while maintaining your normal activities.
