The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that in 2023, around 3,441,534 dermal filler procedures were completed in the United States. This minimally invasive cosmetic treatment is one of the fastest and least invasive ways to restore a more youthful appearance.
If you are considering trying dermal fillers to replace lost volume, smooth out creases, and enhance the natural curves of your face, you may be wondering, “Are dermal fillers permanent?” or “How long do dermal fillers last?” Today, we are going to give you a quick overview of dermal fillers and how they wor,k and provide a comparison chart of the ones most commonly used in the U.S. today.
A Quick Overview of Dermal Fillers
Most dermal filler procedures involve fillers that are made with a man-made form of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that is naturally found in your body and is responsible for keeping your skin plump, smooth, and hydrated. As we grow older, the level of hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases, and we start to develop fine lines and wrinkles, and we may start to see a loss of volume in certain areas like our cheeks and lips.
Besides hyaluronic acid (HA), dermal fillers can also be made from several other materials, each can work a bit differently and last for different lengths of time. Some of the other available fillers include:
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
This is a mineral-like compound that is naturally found in your bones and is used in Radiesse to immediately add structure and volume after it is injected, and it also triggers your body to begin to produce new collagen. Enhancements made with calcium hydroxylapatite usually last around 12 to 18 months before they need to be refreshed.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA)
Poly-L-lactic acid is a synthetic material that is biodegradable and used in the name-brand filler Sculptra. It works by encouraging your body to make new collagen that will fill in gaps, fine lines, etc., rather than just filling the hollowed space. Your results will gradually appear and can last two years or more.
Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA)
This type of filler is made of very small, smooth plastic beads called microspheres, which are added to a soft gel that also contains collagen. These tiny microspheres help to create structure when the filler is first injected, and then once the gel is absorbed by your body, they remain in place under your skin to act as a framework for your natural tissue to rest upon while your body naturally makes new collagen.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The length of time dermal fillers last depends on things like the type of filler used, the area where it is injected, and how fast your body naturally breaks down the product. Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years depending on what they are made of and where they are injected. As a rule, fillers that are placed in areas that constantly move, like your lips or around your mouth, will dissipate faster than areas like your cheeks or temples. See the chart below for a comparison of common fillers, their cost, and how long they typically last once injected.
to see the entire table
| Filler Area | Product | Average Time that Results Last | Average Cost per Syringe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lips and lip lines | Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Ultra, Restylane-L, Restylane Kysse | 12 months | $600 to $1,000 |
| Cheeks | Juvederm Voluma
Radiesse |
Up to 2 years
15 months |
$800 to $1,000
$700 to $900 |
| Chin | Juvederm Voluma, Radiesse | Up to 2 years | $700 to $900 |
| Forehead lines | Juvederm Vollure, Restylane Lyft | 12-18 months | $600 to $1,000 |
| Under the eyes | Juvederm Volbella, Restylane | 12 months | $600 to $900 |
| Nasolabial folds & marionette lines | Juvederm Vollure, Restylane, Refyne, Defyne
Bellafill |
12-18 months
Up to 5 years |
$600 to $1,000
$800 to $1,200 |
| Jawline | Juvederm Ultra Plus, Restylane Lyft, Radiesse | 12 months | $600 to $1,000 |
| Temples | Juvederm Voluma
Restylane Lyft, Restylane |
Up to 24 months
12 months |
$800 to $1,200 for longer-last fillers |
| Mid-face | Juvederm Voluma | Up to 24 months | $800 to $1,000 |
| Nose | Restylane | 12 months | $600 to $1,000 |
Each brand of filler has its own customized formulation that is designed to be used on specific areas of the face, like Juvederm Volbella and Restylane Kysse, which are most often used to add volume and definition to the lips and last an average of about twelve months. Juvederm Voluma is designed to enhance fullness in the cheeks or chin and can last up to two years. Radiesse dermal filler is made of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA), which is similar to the minerals that are naturally found in your bones and teeth. It adds immediate volume to the target areas and also triggers your body to make more collagen. It can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months depending on where it is used.
Are Dermal Fillers Permanent?
Dermal fillers are not permanent, and as we talked about previously, most are made from ingredients that are naturally absorbed by your body over a certain period of time. This means that as the filler breaks down and is absorbed by your body, your results will gradually fade. This can take anywhere from 6 months up to 5 years, depending on the product and the area treated.
Fillers like Bellafill are considered semi-permanent fillers because the tiny beads made with polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) do not break down and form a permanent framework for new collagen to grow around. This type of filler is not reversible and can last several years, but they also come with a higher risk of complications. Temporary fillers that can be reversed or eventually break down are most often used because they offer more flexibility and fewer risks.
Can You Make Your Dermal Fillers Last Longer?
Since most dermal fillers gradually dissolve, many experts recommend scheduling a small touch-up treatment at about the halfway point of your filler’s average lifespan. This means if your filler usually lasts a year, visit your specialist after six months for a quick refresher, and it will help prevent loss of volume, so you always look your best.
Additionally, doing whatever you can to promote healthy skin, like eating a healthy diet, protecting your skin from the sun, practicing a consistent skincare routine, staying properly hydrated, and following your injector’s aftercare instructions, can impact how long your results will last.
Find Out More about Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are an excellent way to take years off your appearance, reduce visible wrinkles and lines, and restore lost volume and definition to your face. The experts at Arcadia Live Oak Med Spa offer dermal fillers in CA and are here to help your aesthetic vision become a reality. To learn more about dermal fillers and how they can help correct your cosmetic concerns, set up a personal consultation with one of our specialists.
With the right kind of care and regular maintenance, your skilled Arcadia Live Oak Med Spa injector can use dermal fillers to keep your face continually looking refreshed and more youthful-looking.
FAQs about Dermal Fillers
Which Lasts Longer, Botox or Fillers?
Dermal filler results are longer-lasting than those of Botox, but the longevity of both can be extended through routine maintenance sessions. Botox usually lasts between about 3 and 4 months and relaxes the muscles in your face that cause wrinkles. Dermal fillers add volume and enhance collagen production and create results that will last between six months and 5 years, depending on what the filler is made from.
Does Your Face Go Back to Normal after Fillers?
Most fillers are temporary, so your face will gradually return to its original appearance as the filler breaks down and is naturally absorbed by your body. Usually, this happens slowly, so you will not see sudden changes, and if you choose to schedule midpoint maintenance sessions, your results will remain fairly constant. The results of semi-permanent fillers like Bellafill can last longer, and the tiny microbeads it contains will not ever dissolve, so your face will not completely return to its original appearance.
How Soon will I See Results from Dermal Fillers?
Most fillers provide instant results, offering smoother skin, fuller lips, or lifted cheeks right after your treatment, but some that stimulate collagen production, like Sculptra, can take a few weeks to reveal your full results.
Do Fillers Hurt?
Dermal filler injections can cause discomfort for some people, and how uncomfortable they are will depend on the individual’s pain threshold, the type and amount of filler used, and the treatment areas. Your Arcadia Live Oak Med Spa specialist will use numbing cream or a local anesthetic to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible.