Dermal fillers typically last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used and where it is injected. Lip fillers tend to last 6 to 8 months because of the constant movement in that area. Fillers placed in the cheeks, jawline, and under eyes generally last 8 months to over a year. Understanding how long your results will last helps you plan for maintenance treatments and get the most value from your investment.
How Long Do Fillers Last by Treatment Area?
The location of your filler injections is one of the biggest factors in how long your results will last. Areas with more movement break down filler faster than areas with less activity.
Lip Fillers: 6 to 8 Months
Lip fillers have the shortest duration because your lips are constantly moving when you talk, eat, and make facial expressions. The muscle activity gradually breaks down the hyaluronic acid filler. Most patients return for lip filler touch ups every 6 to 8 months to maintain their results.
Cheek Fillers: 12 to 18 Months
Cheek fillers last longer because this area has less movement. The filler is also placed deeper, on top of the bone, which provides more stability. Thicker filler products used for cheek augmentation tend to hold their shape longer than thinner formulations.
Jawline Fillers: 12 to 18 Months
Jawline contouring uses thick, supportive fillers that are placed deep along the jaw. This area experiences minimal movement compared to the lips, so results tend to last a year or longer. Some patients find their jawline filler lasts even beyond 18 months.
Under Eye Fillers: 12 to 18 Months
Tear trough filler placed under the eyes can last 12 to 18 months or longer. This area has very little movement, which helps preserve the filler. Some patients report their under eye filler lasting well beyond a year before needing a touch up.
Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines: 9 to 12 Months
Fillers used to soften smile lines and marionette lines typically last 9 to 12 months. These areas have moderate movement from facial expressions, so the filler breaks down at a medium rate.
What Affects How Long Your Fillers Last?
Several factors influence how quickly your body metabolizes dermal filler. Understanding these can help you get the longest lasting results.
Metabolism: People with faster metabolisms tend to break down filler more quickly. If you are very active or have a high metabolism, your results may not last as long as someone with a slower metabolism.
Treatment Area: As discussed above, areas with more movement break down filler faster. The lips metabolize filler much faster than the cheeks or jawline.
Filler Type: Thicker fillers designed for structure and volume tend to last longer than thinner fillers used for fine lines. Your provider will choose the right product for your treatment area.
Amount Injected: More filler generally means longer lasting results, though the goal is always a natural appearance rather than overfilling.
Lifestyle Factors: Sun exposure, smoking, and high intensity exercise can accelerate filler breakdown. Taking care of your skin helps preserve your results.
Types of Fillers and Their Longevity
Not all dermal fillers are the same. Different products are designed for different purposes and have varying lifespans.
“There’s hyaluronic acid based fillers that go away with time, and there’s non hyaluronic acid based fillers. These could be even permanent,” explains the kalon Dermatology team. “We use both. We have the hyaluronic base, which is RHA, and the non hyaluronic base, which is Radiesse. We also stock Versa.”
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, RHA, Versa): These are the most common type of filler. They are naturally broken down by your body over 6 to 18 months depending on the specific product and treatment area. They can also be dissolved with an enzyme if needed.
Radiesse: This calcium hydroxylapatite filler provides immediate volume and stimulates your body to produce collagen. Results can last 12 to 18 months or longer.
Sculptra: This biostimulator works differently by gradually stimulating collagen production. Results develop over several months and can last two years or more.
How to Make Your Fillers Last Longer
While you cannot stop your body from naturally metabolizing filler, you can take steps to maximize your results.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun: UV exposure breaks down hyaluronic acid faster. Wear sunscreen daily and limit direct sun exposure to help preserve your filler.
Stay Hydrated: Hyaluronic acid fillers attract and hold water. Staying well hydrated helps your filler look plump and full.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and can cause filler to break down faster.
Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine: Healthy skin supports better filler results. Use quality products and consider treatments that boost collagen production.
Schedule Maintenance Appointments: Rather than waiting until your filler is completely gone, schedule touch ups before full breakdown. This helps maintain consistent results with less product over time.
When Should You Get a Touch Up?
Most providers recommend scheduling your touch up appointment before your filler has completely dissolved. This approach offers several benefits.
For lip fillers, consider returning around the 5 to 6 month mark. For cheek, jawline, and under eye fillers, a touch up at 9 to 12 months helps maintain your results. Your provider will give you personalized recommendations based on how your body responds to filler.
Maintaining your results with regular touch ups often requires less filler than starting over after complete breakdown. This can be more cost effective over time and keeps your appearance consistent.
Dermal Fillers at kalon Dermatology
At kalon Dermatology, our experienced team provides customized dermal filler treatments for patients throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island. With over 60 years of combined experience, our board certified dermatologists and skilled providers deliver natural looking results tailored to your goals.
Our team includes Dr. David Biro, a board certified dermatologist named one of New York’s Top Doctors, and Dr. Michael Gladstein, a Castle Connolly Top Doctor with nearly three decades of experience. Our providers take time to understand your concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you.
“The usual approach is to make it as natural and appealing as possible,” says the kalon Dermatology team. Every treatment begins with a cosmetic consultation to determine your personalized treatment plan and the number of syringes needed for optimal results.
We offer a range of dermal fillers including RHA, Versa, and Radiesse to address various concerns. Whether you want to enhance your lips, restore volume to your cheeks, define your jawline, or refresh your under eye area, our team has the expertise to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Visit us at our Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn location or our Staten Island office. Contact kalon Dermatology today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do fillers dissolve completely or do some stay in your face?
Hyaluronic acid fillers dissolve completely over time. Your body naturally breaks them down and absorbs them. Non hyaluronic acid fillers like Radiesse are also gradually absorbed by the body. However, biostimulators like Sculptra stimulate your own collagen production, so while the product itself is absorbed, the collagen your body creates remains.
Can I make my fillers last longer by getting more product?
Using more filler can extend the time between touch ups, but the priority should always be achieving natural looking results. Overfilling can lead to an unnatural appearance. Your provider will recommend the right amount of product for your anatomy and goals.
How often do I need to get fillers redone?
This depends on the treatment area and the type of filler used. Lip fillers typically need touch ups every 6 to 8 months. Cheek, jawline, and under eye fillers may only need maintenance once a year. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your individual results.
Do fillers look natural as they wear off?
Yes, fillers break down gradually and evenly, so you will not suddenly look different. Your results will slowly and naturally fade back to your baseline. This gradual transition is one of the benefits of temporary fillers.
What happens if I stop getting filler?
If you decide not to continue with filler treatments, your face will simply return to how it looked before treatment. Fillers do not stretch your skin or cause sagging when they wear off. You can stop treatments at any time without negative effects.