Does Dermal Filler Hurt?
Most patients report minimal discomfort. Modern fillers contain local anaesthetic, and additional numbing cream can be applied for sensitive areas.
You may experience mild swelling or tenderness temporarily.
When Will I See Results?
Results are visible immediately, with optimal outcomes typically seen once swelling settles — usually within 24–72 hours.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?
The longevity of dermal fillers varies from person to person. Although many treatments last between 6 and 18 months, the duration depends on several factors, including the area treated, the type of filler used, your individual metabolism and lifestyle.
Treatment Area
Different areas of the face move differently and have varying levels of natural support, which can influence how long dermal fillers last.
Lips: Lip fillers often last around 6–12 months. The lips are constantly moving during talking, eating and facial expressions, which can influence how quickly the filler changes over time.
Cheeks and mid-face: Fillers used to restore cheek volume and facial contours may last 12–18 months or longer, depending on the product, placement and individual response.
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: Fillers used to soften these lines commonly last around 6–18 months, depending on the formulation, the depth of treatment and the degree of facial movement.
Chin and jawline: Fillers used to enhance definition and structure may last 12–18 months or longer, particularly when a firmer formulation is selected for structural support.
These timeframes are estimates rather than guarantees. Results vary according to the individual and the treatment performed.
Product Used
Not all dermal fillers are the same. Different formulations are designed to achieve different results, from soft, flexible enhancement to more substantial structural support.
Factors such as the hyaluronic acid concentration, gel structure, cross-linking technology and the product’s intended use influence how the filler behaves within the tissue and how long its visible effects may last.
For example, a softer filler designed for the lips may have a different longevity profile from a firmer filler used to restore cheek volume or define the jawline.
At Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics, the choice of filler should be guided by the treatment area, your facial anatomy and the result you wish to achieve, rather than simply choosing a product advertised to last the longest.
Individual Metabolism
Everyone processes and breaks down dermal filler at a different rate. Your individual biology can therefore have a significant influence on treatment longevity.
The body’s natural processes gradually break down hyaluronic acid fillers over time. Factors such as tissue characteristics, enzyme activity and individual differences in how the filler integrates with surrounding tissue may affect how long the results remain visible.
This explains why two people receiving the same filler in the same area may experience different durations of improvement. Previous filler treatments do not necessarily predict precisely how long a future treatment will last.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle can influence skin quality, facial volume and the overall appearance of your results. Although the precise effect of individual lifestyle factors on filler longevity is not always predictable, the following are worth considering:
Sun exposure: Excessive ultraviolet exposure accelerates skin ageing and can contribute to collagen breakdown, affecting the appearance of the skin surrounding the treated area.
Smoking: Smoking is associated with impaired skin health and accelerated skin ageing, which may influence the overall appearance of facial rejuvenation.
Exercise and activity levels: People with higher metabolic rates or substantial physical activity sometimes report shorter-lasting results, although evidence that exercise itself directly shortens filler longevity is limited.
Weight fluctuations: Significant weight loss or gain can alter facial fat distribution and contours, changing the appearance of your results even if the filler itself has not substantially degraded.
Skincare and general skin health: Consistent sun protection and an appropriate skincare routine help maintain skin quality, supporting the overall appearance of your facial rejuvenation. They cannot guarantee that fillers will last longer.
When Should You Have Your Dermal Fillers Topped Up?
There is no single schedule that suits everyone. Rather than automatically repeating treatment at a fixed interval, it is sensible to arrange a review when you notice a change in your results or when you would like your practitioner to reassess your facial balance.
At Austin Brewer Facial Aesthetics, the emphasis is on maintaining natural-looking results rather than routinely adding more filler. A review allows your practitioner to assess the treated area, consider any remaining product and discuss whether further treatment is appropriate.
Dermal fillers do not always disappear completely when their initial visible effects diminish, so additional treatment should be considered carefully to avoid unnecessary accumulation.
Individual results vary, and all treatment decisions should follow an appropriate clinical assessment.
