If you love the results of dermal fillers, you probably found yourself wishing they would last forever. Who wouldn’t want permanent results from such a simple cosmetic enhancement? Unfortunately, the safest, most effective filler ingredients wear off over time. You’ll likely need multiple treatments to keep the look you want.
The duration of effectiveness for dermal fillers varies. Results can last anywhere from 6 months to several years, depending on the ingredients and formulation. When you choose a filler brand, you shouldn’t only think about which is the longest-lasting dermal filler. You should also consider if it will give you the results you want. Your injector can help you select the right filler for your needs.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances dermatologists inject under your skin to create volume and smooth out lines, wrinkles, or scarring. The most popular uses for fillers include lip enhancement, smoothing wrinkles like the nasolabial folds, or adding volume to the cheekbones.
Top Dermal Fillers: Benefits and How Long They Last?
1. Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin. It’s used in many skincare products and is the main ingredient in dermal fillers. Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero Balance, The RHA collection, and Revanesse Versa are popular hyaluronic acid fillers.
In general, hyaluronic fillers last between 6 and 18 months. When comparing Juvederm and Restylane, experts say Juvéderm® Voluma™ XC is a longer-lasting hyaluronic acid filler. Results can last up to 2 years.1
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Filler
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is another naturally occurring substance. It’s typically found in the bones. A CaHA filler contains tiny calcium particles suspended in an injectable gel. The filler can build volume and stimulate collagen production in the treated area.
Radiesse is an FDA-approved CaHA filler known for providing results that can last 18 months or longer.2
3. Poly-L-lactic Acid Filler
Polylactic acid is another ingredient commonly used in dermal fillers. It’s a biocompatible substance that has a long history of use in medical devices like dissolvable sutures. The filler gel is absorbed within a few days, but the poly-L-lactic acid stimulates collagen production and increases the volume of the treated area over time.
The best-known poly-L-lactic acid filler is Sculptra®. Sculptra results can last up to 2 years.3
4. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Filler
PMMA fillers use microspheres and collagen that remain beneath the skin indefinitely, creating a support structure for enhancing volume and firmness. The most popular brand of PMMA filler is Bellafill, which can last 5 years or longer.4
SOURCES:
- Byrdie: “What Is The Best Facial Filler According to Dermatologists?“
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: “Injectable Fillers Guide.”
- San Diego Cosmetic Laser Clinic: “Which Dermal Filler Lasts the Longest?“
- RealSelf: “Bellafill: What You Need to Know.”