When it comes to minimizing wrinkles and creating youthful-looking skin, not much can be done with over-the-counter products. Many people turn to injectables, aka dermal fillers, to revive their youthful looks. If you consider getting fillers but are worried about the longevity, potential risks, and which one to select, this article is perfect for you.
What do Dermal Fillers/Injectables do for You?
As you get older, your skin begins to lose collagen and elasticity. The muscles and fat present on your face start to become thinner and leads to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With age, our skin begins to look less smooth and young. Dermal fillers can help combat the problem by smoothing out lines, restoring the lost volume, and plumping up the skin.
Dermal fillers contain gel-like substances: hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid injected beneath the skin. These injectables are a minimally invasive procedure that comes with minimal downtime.
Longevity of the Results
Like any other procedure, the results will vary from person to person. Certain dermal fillers can last for around 6 to 12 months. Some can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. The most commonly used type of dermal filler is made from hyaluronic acid, a natural compound that helps produce collagen and elastin.
These fillers will also give your skin structure and make it look plump and hydrated. To provide you with a better idea of how different fillers last, we have compiled a timeline of the most popular brand names of fillers as mentioned below:
Juvederm Voluma – They last for nearly 24 months, with a touch-up recommended every 12 months to help with longevity.
Juvederm Ultra and Ultra Plus – They last about 12 months, with a touch-up recommended at 6–9 months.
Juvederm Vollure – These fillers will last you for approximately 12–18 months.
Juvederm Volbella – These last for around 12 months.
Restylane Defyne, Refyne, and Lyft – Typically last for 12 months, with a recommended touch-up at 6–9 months.
Restylane Silk – The longevity of this is around 6–10 months.
Restylane-L – These last for around 5–7 months.
Radiesse – These will usually last for 12 months.
Sculptra – They can last more than 24 months.
Bellafill – These fillers can last up to 5 years.
What Affects the Longevity of a Filler?
The type of filler isn’t the only thing that will influence the dermal filler longevity; several other factors also come into play:
- The filler placement (where it is used on your face; underneath the eyes, lips, etc.)
- The amount of filler injected.
- The speed at which your body will metabolize the filler material.
After a few months of being injected, fillers will slowly degrade. However, the visible results will stay the same as fillers can absorb water. You might notice a decreased volume around the midpoint of the expected duration of filler.
That is why a touch-up filler treatment is recommended and is highly beneficial for maintaining the longevity of the results.
Which Filler is Right for You?
Finding the right kind of dermal filler for your aesthetic goals is a decision that your service provider will make for you. With that being said, it is essential to do some research at your end and pen down any questions you might have. Always check the approved list of dermal fillers by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Unfortunately, there are plenty of places that use the unapproved versions. Be cautious!
Another important factor in determining the choice of filler is selecting whether the filler is reversible or not. How long do you want the results to last? The longer isn’t always better, especially if it is your first time getting fillers. The next thing you need to consider is the location of the injection and desired aesthetic goals. Do you want to achieve a very subtle look or a dramatic one? All these factors will help narrow down your choices.
It is crucial to find a certified specialist or a plastic surgeon to get the procedure done for the best results. Moreover, the right provider will help you understand different fillers and how a particular one is more beneficial than the others for your specific areas and concerns.
Certain fillers are best to smooth out wrinkles under the eyes, while others work well for plumping up the cheeks and lips.
Side Effects of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers’ most common side effects include redness, swelling, tenderness, and bruising. These effects only last for around 1 to 2 weeks and will fade independently. Service providers also recommend using Arnica to help with bruising and swelling in some cases.
If things don’t go as planned, some severe side effects are involved, including an allergic reaction, skin discoloration, infection, lumps, extreme swelling, or skin necrosis. These effects can be significantly minimized by choosing the right specialist who uses FDA-approved fillers. It is essential to stick to the pre and post-treatment instructions as well.
What Happens If I Don’t Like the Results?
It honestly depends on the type of filler you got done. If you get a hyaluronic acid filler, the service provider can hyaluronidase the results to dissolve it. It is the most recommended filler if it is your first time. For certain fillers like Sculptra and Radiesse, Palep, you’ll need to wait till the results wear off naturally.
The Bottom Line
is an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make their skin look fuller, firmer, and younger. The results of the fillers can vary as well as the longevity. Essentially, these two depend on the type of filler, amount of filler injected, placement of filler, and your body’s natural response to metabolizing filler.
The downtime and recovery associated with the filler are pretty minimal. However, there are still risks associated with the procedure. To minimize complications, please choose a board-certified specialist. We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any other questions, please reach out to us in the comments section below.
