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How Often Should You Get Dermal Fillers Touched Up?5 min read

How Often Should You Get Dermal Fillers Touched Up?
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Aesthetica Editorial Team

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With dermal fillers, age is but a number, and your best self is always within reach! 

But here comes the big question: How often should you return to your cosmetic surgeon to keep that fabulous face of yours in tip-top shape? 

From understanding when those marvelous fillers begin to fade to decoding the signs that it’s time for a little touch-up, we’ve got you covered!

Why Do Dermal Fillers Start to Fade?

Dermal fillers are not a permanent fixture. They’re made from substances like hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin that your body slowly absorbs over time. 

As much as we’d love for them to be the forever gift that keeps on giving, dermal fillers are designed to be temporary. Regardless of the preferred filler, you’ll notice a gradual reduction in volume and smoothness.

What Factors Influence the Longevity of My Dermal Filler?

Not all fillers are created equal, and neither are the faces they’re injected into! 

Several variables will affect how long your dermal filler lasts:

  • Type of Filler: From Juvederm to Restylane, some fillers are thicker and last longer. Others, however, are softer and thinner, requiring more frequent touch-ups.
  • Treated Area: Certain areas of the face, like the lips, might metabolize the filler faster than the cheeks.
  • Body Chemistry: How quickly the body absorbs and metabolizes the filler varies from patient to patient.

How Often Should You Plan for Touch-Ups?

Most dermal fillers will last between 6 to 18 months. But remember, this is a ballpark figure. It’s always best to consult with your practitioner, who will create a tailored timeline based on your specific needs and the type of filler used.

Can Lifestyle Choices Impact the Frequency of Touch-Ups?

Your lifestyle choices significantly affect the longevity of your dermal filler. 

For instance:

  • Smoking: Nicotine accelerates aging and may cause fillers to dissipate more quickly.
  • Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure breaks down the filler material faster and affects your skin’s natural elasticity.
  • Physical Activity: High levels of physical exercise will increase the metabolization of your dermal filler.

What are the Signs It's Time for a Filler Touch-Up?

Both visual cues and how you feel indicate the need for a dermal filler touch-up session. 

You may notice that the plumpness in your lips has reduced, or those laugh lines are making an unwelcome reappearance. Furthermore, your cheeks may not seem as lifted as they once were. 

These visual changes are often the first signs that it’s time to consult your practitioner for a touch-up.

Can You Mix Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no — it generally depends on your beauty goals. 

Both Juvederm and Restylane are trusted dermal filler brands. But did you know they both come in a variety of different formulations? 

Some formulations are known for their gel-like consistency and smooth application. In contrast, others have a thinner consistency, offering a more natural result. Some are best suited for deeper folds, while others shine in areas requiring subtlety, like lips.

Imagine desiring a comprehensive rejuvenation of your look. Your cheeks might benefit from a bit more volume (hello, high cheekbones!), but your lips? Maybe they just need a touch of plumpness and hydration. 

Since different fillers are designed with specific areas of the face in mind, mixing them may offer a tailor-made approach to rejuvenation, hitting all the right notes for harmonious facial symmetry.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Juvederm

  • Ultra and Ultra Plus: 9-12 months, typically used for moderate to severe facial wrinkles.
  • Voluma: Up to 2 years, specially curated for cheek augmentation.
  • Volbella: About 12 months, a favorite for lips and perioral lines.
  • Vollure: Up to 18 months, ideal for nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Restylane

  • Lyft: Up to 12 months in cheeks and back of the hands; around 6 months for smile lines.
  • Silk: Approximately 6 months, formulated for lips and lines around them.
  • Defyne & Refyne: About 12 months, designed for deep laugh lines.

While not a dermal filler per se, BOTOX lasts around 3-6 months and works by relaxing muscles, thus reducing or eliminating lines and wrinkles.

Are There Alternatives That Require Less Maintenance?

If the idea of frequent touch-ups doesn’t appeal to you, there are more permanent — often surgical — alternatives to choose from. Fat transfers and certain types of facelifts offer more long-lasting results compared to fillers.

Want to Keep That Youthful Glow? Schedule Your Touch-Up Consultation Today!

Knowing when to get your dermal fillers touched up is crucial to long-lasting, natural results. 

Don’t leave it to guesswork—schedule a personalized consultation with our expert team today to find the optimal touch-up schedule for your needs! 

Meet us at 19500 Sandridge Way, Suite 350, Leesburg, VA 20176, or call us at (703) 574-4342 for a complimentary consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Chang before moving forward with your procedure. If everything matches up, our team will help you navigate the entire process from beginning to end. Also, remember to check out our blog and social media for more information on plastic surgery and cosmetic trends!

References

  1. “Hyaluronic Acid: What It Is, Benefits, How to Use & Side Effects.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid. Accessed 31 Aug. 2023.

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