While injectable dermal fillers can provide stunning aesthetic results – giving contour, volume, and radiance to your face in a matter of days – it may sometimes feel like their benefits don’t last long enough.
While it is true that fillers are non-permanent, and will break down over time, there are several things you can do to extend the time between visits to your facial plastic surgeon for filler injections.
Several factors determine the half-life of dermal fillers, including product, formula, location of injection, and amount, but the real issue that regulates how long your filler will last is your metabolism. If you have additional questions about fillers besides longevity, let’s chat.
What We Can’t Control
People with higher metabolisms will experience shorter filler results because their bodies will break the filler compound down faster than those with slower metabolisms. The same goes for other treatments such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.
And higher metabolisms are good – it means our bodies burn fat and calories at a higher rate, instead of storing it in unwanted areas, particularly around the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.
So, while having a fast metabolism is a Catch-22 when it comes to body fat vs. fillers, there are specific actions people can take to maximize the longevity of their fillers.
Injection Location and Movement
The more mobile the area, the faster a filler in that spot will break down.
Because of this, patients can seek expert facial plastic surgeons who can inject fillers into specific parts of the face to provide the most satisfying results, while selecting areas with the least amount of movement.
It’s also a matter of expectation – the lips are a trendy location for fillers, but are also one of the most active parts of our faces. Talking, eating, breathing, kissing – you name it, the lips are involved, which is why fillers in the lips break down much faster than those in, say, the tear troughs.
Give the Fillers a Break
A great way to prolong your fillers is to not put them under stress or pressure.
Try to sleep on your back, as this removes pressure that will dissipate and agitate the filler. Be gentle with your skin, and don’t scrub or push on your face during your skincare routine. When you move and poke fillers, they will break down faster, so the more delicate you are with your fillers, the longer they will last.
Best Option? Keep it Up
The beauty of dermal fillers is that they take 10 to 15 minutes to administer when done by an expert. Because of this, people who want maximum results from their fillers can schedule semi-regular appointments with their facial plastic surgeon, who can add tiny amounts of fillers in precise spots to maintain the stunning aesthetic over many, many years.
At Faces PLLC, we enjoy helping our patients organize a plan for filler upkeep, which makes it a breeze to maintain your results. Call us at 601-607-3033, make an appointment for an in-person consultation, or arrange a virtual consultation and learn how to extend your results from dermal fillers.