Dermal fillers can instantly provide stunning aesthetic results, reducing the signs of aging, restoring youthful plumpness to your skin, and rejuvenating your appearance. However, sometimes it feels like the benefits don’t last long enough.
Several factors determine filler longevity, including product, location, and your unique metabolism. While fillers are temporary, you can take steps to extend their life.
Dr. Robyn Daugherty offers this information to help you learn what you can do to make your dermal filler last longer.
What Are Dermal Fillers, and How Do They Work?
Dermal fillers are an injectable cosmetic treatment to reduce the signs of aging, including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Many fillers act as collagen stimulators to help enhance skin’s overall appearance. Most products consist of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring bodily substance that attracts moisture, making them safe and biocompatible.
Dr. Daugherty offers injectable fillers in many versatile formulas to restore contours by adding volume and hydration and smoothing moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds to enhance facial features, including:
- Lips and perioral area
- Cheeks and chin
- Nasolabial folds, or “parentheses lines”
- Fine lines
- Deep wrinkles
How Long Do Fillers Typically Last?
Typically, patients notice the refreshing effects of fillers right away. Depending on the dermal filler type and treatment area, they can provide temporary results that may last from six months to two years with optimal placement.
Each patient will experience varied longevity results, and you will need follow-up treatments to maintain your ideal appearance.
What Factors Affect the Longevity of Fillers?
Many variables can affect dermal filler longevity. First, choose a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure you receive a safe, long-lasting treatment by selecting the appropriate filler type for your needs and the amount necessary to achieve your goals.
Other factors that may impact filler duration include the following.
- Location: Fillers in high-motion areas tend to break down faster than other areas.
- Smoking: The muscle contractions and pursing of the lips associated with smoking and vaping increase the risk of filler migration. Smoking also accelerates aging, potentially requiring more cosmetic treatments.
- Metabolism: Dermal filler metabolizes more quickly in those with a high metabolism, like people who exercise regularly.
- Sun exposure: It’s no secret that sun exposure damages skin, but it also breaks down hyaluronic acid.
Do Some Fillers Last Longer Than Others?
One of the most critical influences on filler duration is the product you use. Currently, Juvéderm and Restylane fillers are the longest-lasting and most durable dermal fillers available. Both brands use hyaluronic acid as their active ingredient and have multiple formulas to address many cosmetic needs.
While hyaluronic acid degrades over time as your body metabolizes it, that depends on its formula and treatment area. With maintenance treatments, some Juvéderm and Restylane fillers can last up to two years.
What Daily Skin Care Practices Help Prolong Filler Life?
Taking good care of your skin can help you enjoy a healthier, more resilient complexion. Here are a few of our favorite skin care for fillers tips.
- Minimize sun exposure: While brief periods in the sun are healthy, avoid overexposure by wearing high-quality sunscreen of SPF 45 or higher and avoiding peak UV hours.
- Follow instructions: Daugherty will give you filler aftercare instructions you should follow thoroughly.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps improve the hyaluronic acid’s absorption abilities. Use a daily moisturizer that complements your skin type.
How Does Lifestyle Influence Filler Durability?
While some aspects affecting filler longevity – such as a fast metabolism – are out of your control, you can make changes to prolong your treatment results.
Lifestyle factors within your control include:
- Practice good skin care.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid sun exposure, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Can Injection Techniques Extend Filler Longevity?
To achieve maximum filler results, seek treatment from a trained, board-certified injector. Being board-certified means that your injector values continuing education and stays abreast of the latest techniques and trends in dermal fillers.
Dr. Daugherty will inject the appropriate fillers into the correct areas to deliver satisfactory results.
What Role Do Follow-Up Treatments Play in Maintaining Fillers?
Maintenance appointments are essential to sustaining your fillers. When administered by an expert injector, dermal filler treatments and touch-ups only take 15 to 20 minutes. You can receive small amounts of fillers in precise locations to maintain your stunning aesthetic for many years.
Can Diet and Hydration Impact Filler Duration?
Your diet can directly impact your skin’s health and appearance. To maximize filler results, avoid packaged or processed foods and limit sugars. Instead, eat plenty of fresh produce, lean protein, and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice.
Hydration improves hyaluronic acid filler results. Drink plenty of water and use topical moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid.
What Advanced Treatments Can Enhance Filler Retention?
Selecting a reputable, experienced board-certified injector is your first step to ensuring your fillers will last. Dr. Daugherty will administer the appropriate dosage with meticulous injections for longer-lasting results.
The best way to extend your results is to undergo filler touch-ups before your results wear off. These are quick appointments where you receive a smaller amount of filler with the aim of prolonging cosmetic injection results. Be sure to discuss a filler enhancement maintenance plan with Dr. Daugherty.
How Can You Avoid Activities That May Shorten Filler Lifespan?
Many aspects of life can impact your fillers’ longevity. Stress from any aspect of your life can negatively affect your body by triggering hormones that accelerate the aging process. Try reducing unnecessary stress and incorporating techniques like yoga or meditation into your daily routine.
Use sun protection of SPF 45 or higher every day and minimize sun exposure during peak UV times.
Choosing Dr. Daugherty as Your Baton Rouge Dermal Filler Expert
Selecting a plastic surgeon is the most fundamental decision of your dermal filler journey. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daugherty will develop a unique dermal filler plan to ensure you achieve a refreshed, never overdone appearance. Dr. Daugherty believes in blending science and art to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Schedule Your Dermal Filler Consultation Today
To learn how you can choose long-lasting fillers, schedule your consultation by contacting Daugherty Plastic Surgery at (225) 235-3884 or completing our online form.