How Long Do Fillers Last Before Dissolving? Plus Tips for Adjusting Your Results
Dermal fillers like Juvederm and Restylane offer a popular way to add subtle volume and smooth wrinkles in areas like the lips, cheeks, and jawline. The effects are temporary, lasting between 6 months to 2 years depending on the formula. Eventually fillers dissolve naturally, but you can maintain your appearance with timely touch-ups. You can also get unwanted filler dissolved if your results are overdone. Here’s what to expect regarding timeline and adjusting your outcomes after filler injections.
When Will You See the Final Effects of Fillers?
After getting injected, it takes some time for fillers to fully settle into the treatment area. Most dermal fillers show their peak results within 2–3 weeks, but there are some variations:
- Juvederm and Restylane fillers typically settle within 14 days.
- Radiesse shows final effects in 1–2 weeks.
- Sculptra is unique in that it stimulates collagen growth. It may take 4–6 weeks to reveal its subtle volumizing effects.
Patients often experience temporary swelling, redness, and bruising after injections. This usually resolves within a few days to a week as the body adjusts to the filler material. Once settled, you can enjoy plumper, smoother skin for months.
How Long Do Fillers Last Before Metabolizing?
Dermal fillers are slowly yet naturally absorbed by the body over time. Different types of fillers have varying durations:
- Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane provide 6–12 months of enhancement in most areas treated, like lips and nasolabial folds.
- Sculptra effects can last up to 2 years since the poly-L-lactic acid stimulates your collagen.
- Certain synthetic lip fillers may continue working for over 12 months. However, longer-lasting lip products can be riskier if results end up uneven.
It’s common to notice subtle decreasing effects around the 6 to 9-month mark as the material begins breaking down. This is why providers often recommend follow-up or “touch-up” appointments to maintain your desired appearance.
Dissolving Filler Before Its Scheduled Metabolism
One benefit of dermal fillers compared to surgery is that you can dissolve or adjust the effects if you end up disliking your results. Common hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm are easily reversed with hyaluronidase injections. This enzymatic solution breaks down the HA filler rapidly. Patients may experience some swelling for a couple days as the dissolved material is cleared from the treatment site.
Sculptra and Radiesse cannot be reversed since they stimulate collagen and incorporate calcium hydroxylapatite respectively. However, undesired effects should still gradually diminish over time as they metabolize at their natural pace.
Can You Partially Dissolve Fillers?
You don’t have to get rid of all the filler to tone down or balance your results. Your provider can inject small amounts of dissolving enzyme to reduce excess filler as needed. For mild asymmetry or irregularities, a simple massage technique may help smooth and distribute the gel evenly. Always get guidance before attempting massages yourself.
Maintaining Your Filler Results Long-Term
While dissolvable, fillers don’t have to be temporary. You can schedule maintenance or “touch up” appointments whenever you notice your filler breaking down, typically every 6 to 12 months. Your provider will inject more filler to replenish the volume lost and keep your preferred outcome. With proper maintenance, filler enhancement can be enjoyed for years.
Choosing a Reputable Medspa for Safe, Natural Filler Results
The provider you choose for dermal filler injections is key for ensuring subtle, flattering, long-lasting results. Be sure to select an experienced injector that listens to your goals and develops an individualized treatment plan. They should use proper techniques to minimize pain, bruising, swelling, and potential side effects.
An ethical, trustworthy medspa will give realistic advice about achievable outcomes and what filler products are suitable for your needs. They will explain timelines regarding when you’ll see final effects and how long results may realistically last. Follow-up appointments are crucial for providing ongoing care and adjusting your results over time if desired.
Contact DrSkin Med Spa to learn more about dermal fillers.An initial consultation allows you to ask questions and decide if temporary injectables are right for fulfilling your aesthetic goals. With a skilled provider guiding your experience, you can enjoy smooth, youthful skin for months before maintaining your refreshed look with occasional touch-ups.
