What Happens When Dermal Fillers Wear Off

September 9 2024

Hey there! So, you’ve taken the plunge into the world of dermal fillers, huh? Maybe you’re loving your plumper lips or those smoothed-out wrinkles. But there’s probably one question nagging at the back of your mind: “What’s going to happen when these fillers wear off?”

First things first, take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered!

Look, we know it can be a bit nerve-wracking to think about your fabulous new look fading away. But here’s the deal: dermal fillers are like that perfect vacation – amazing while it lasts, but not permanent. And you know what? That’s actually a good thing!

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about what happens when your fillers start to wear off. We’ll chat about how long different types of fillers last, what you can expect to see in the mirror as they fade, and how to keep that youthful glow going.

So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, we won’t judge), get comfy, and let’s dive into the world of dermal fillers – from fab to fade and back again!

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Different Types of Fillers

The longevity of dermal fillers varies based on their composition. Here’s a quick overview:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These are among the most popular and typically last between 6 to 18 months. Brands like Juvederm and Restylane fall into this category.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse): These fillers generally have a longer lifespan, often up to a year or more.
Poly-L-lactic Acid (Sculptra): Known for stimulating collagen production, this type can last over two years but requires multiple treatment sessions.

A study by Bergeret-Galley et al. (2001) confirms the varying longevity of different fillers:

The lifespan of fillers varies significantly depending on their composition. For example, HA fillers last around 6 to 18 months, while poly-L-lactic acid fillers can last over two years, stimulating collagen production over time.”

Factors Affecting Longevity

Several factors influence how long your dermal fillers will last:

Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to break down fillers more quickly.
Lifestyle: Habits such as smoking, sun exposure, and hydration levels can impact filler longevity.
Treated Area: Areas with high mobility, like the lips, may see fillers wear off faster.
Product Formulation: The specific formulation and filler brand also affect how long the results last.

What to Expect as Dermal Fillers Fade

Gradual Reduction in Volume

One of the reassuring aspects of dermal fillers is that they break down slowly. This gradual process allows the skin to adjust without sudden changes. You’ll notice a steady decrease in plumpness and volume over time.

Recent research by Wollina & Goldman (2023) supports this gradual breakdown process:

“Dermal fillers, particularly hyaluronic acid-based fillers, gradually break down over time due to natural enzymatic processes in the skin. Endogenous hyaluronidase helps digest the filler material, allowing for a slow reduction in volume, ensuring that the skin transitions smoothly without sudden changes.”

Return to Pre-Treatment Appearance

Most individuals will simply return to their pre-filler look. The skin may lose volume, but it won’t sag or worsen unnaturally. Remember, the purpose of fillers is to enhance temporarily, not to cause permanent changes.

Ballin et al. (2015) confirm this in their study:

“HA-based fillers, in particular, do not stretch or damage the skin long-term but instead restore the original contour once the filler has worn off. This offers a temporary enhancement without long-term changes.”

No Long-Term Changes

Once the filler is absorbed, the skin won’t appear stretched or damaged. Think of dermal fillers as a temporary enhancement; they do not lead to long-term skin structure alterations.

Signs Your Dermal Fillers Are Wearing Off

Loss of Volume or Contour: The initial signs of fillers wearing off include a loss of volume in treated areas. Lips, cheeks, and under-eye regions will gradually return to their original shape.
Wrinkles or Fine Lines Reappear: Over time, the wrinkles or lines that were temporarily filled may slowly become visible again, indicating the filler is fading.
Less Hydration in the Skin: Hyaluronic acid fillers not only add volume but also hydrate the skin.

As the filler diminishes, you might notice a reduction in this hydrating effect, leaving the skin feeling less moisturised.

Can You Prevent Fillers from Wearing Off?

Lifestyle Changes

Certain habits can help prolong the longevity of your fillers:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure: UV rays can accelerate the breakdown of fillers.
No Smoking: Smoking can speed up the degradation process of filler materials.

Maintenance Treatments

Regular touch-up treatments are an excellent way to maintain your desired look. Scheduling periodic appointments ensures that the effects remain consistent, avoiding the complete wearing-off phase.

As noted by Bergeret-Galley et al. (2001):

“Maintenance treatments can extend the effects, but eventually, all fillers are metabolized by the body.”

What Should You Do When Dermal Fillers Wear Off?

Re-Treatment Options

If you love the results and wish to maintain them, re-treatment is a straightforward option. Consult with your injector to plan follow-up appointments.

Alternative Procedures

Several other procedures can complement or even replace dermal fillers:

Laser Treatments: Improves skin tone and reduces fine lines.
Chemical Peels: Enhances skin texture and addresses superficial concerns.

Final Thoughts

The process of dermal fillers wearing off is natural and gradual. It’s designed to be smooth, ensuring your skin adjusts seamlessly without sudden changes. If you’re considering re-treatment or exploring alternative solutions, consulting with professionals is essential to achieve the best results.

Remember, maintaining a refreshed, youthful appearance is possible through safe, repeat treatments. Enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing you can always return to the look you love.

References

Wollina, U., & Goldman, A. (2023). Dermal fillers: Facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology, 41(1), 156-162. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X22001468
Ballin, A. C., Cazzaniga, A., & Brandt, F. S. (2015). Long-term efficacy, safety and durability of Juvéderm® XC. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 8, 437. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4544260/
Bergeret-Galley, C., Latouche, X., & Illouz, Y. G. (2001). The value of a new filler material in corrective and cosmetic surgery: DermaLive and DermaDeep. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 25(4), 249-255. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s002660010139

Commonly Asked Questions

Will my skin look worse than before after fillers wear off?

No, your skin should return to its pre-treatment state. Dermal fillers are designed to be temporary and do not cause long-term changes to your skin structure. As mentioned in our article, Ballin et al. (2015) confirm that “HA-based fillers, in particular, do not stretch or damage the skin long-term but instead restore the original contour once the filler has worn off.”

How quickly do fillers wear off?

The rate at which fillers wear off varies depending on the type of filler used, the area treated, and individual factors like metabolism. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers last 6-18 months, while other types like poly-L-lactic acid can last over two years. The process is gradual, so you won’t see sudden changes.

Can I speed up the process if I don't like the results?

For hyaluronic acid-based fillers, a enzyme called hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler more quickly. However, this should only be done by a qualified professional. For other types of fillers, you’ll need to wait for them to naturally dissipate.

Will I need more filler each time to maintain the same effect?

Not necessarily. Some people find they need less filler over time as the initial treatments can stimulate collagen production. However, as we age, we may naturally lose more volume, which might require additional filler to maintain the desired effect.