How long will the effects of dermal fillers last?

The length of time that the effects and benefits of Dermal Fillers last depends on multiple factors, such as the type of filler used, the area the filler is injected into, the age of the patient, their genetics, their lifestyle habits and the quality of their skin.

The most common types of Dermal Fillers have long-lasting, but temporary effects and are gradually absorbed by the body over a period of time so are considered the safest.  For example, the effects of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are expected to last about 6 to 12 months on average. HA fillers differ in viscosity to offer patients flexible solutions to a number of concerns, for example; thinner fillers are typically more suitable for the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines and lip enhancement, whilst thicker fillers are more effective at treating deep wrinkles, folds and loss of volume.

Calcium hydroxylapatite based fillers, such as Radiesse uses a substance found naturally in human bones and is used for facial sculpting and to treat thicker lines and folds the results of which are expected to be longer lasting - typically around one year. Lips are not usually treated with this type of filler. After the initial treatment, follow-up sessions are usually recommended every six to twelve months, depending on the treatment and results.

Collagen Simulators based on Polylactic acid, such as Sculptra – are used to add volume and improve skin texture and can be used in particular to treat facial fat loss.  This type of treatment produces more subtle, less immediate results, which gradually improve over several months due to the fact that once injected, Collagen Stimulators encourage the body to form its own collagen over time.  The main element of collagen stimulators such as Sculptra is poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material which helps to replace lost collagen.

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