If you’ve had dermal fillers or are considering getting them, you may wonder how long your results will last and when to return for a touch-up. Most fillers don’t last forever, but that’s part of what makes them so popular. The general recommendation is to get filler touch-ups every 6 to 12 months, depending on the area treated and your body’s unique response.
At Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine in Denver, we offer aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers to help you look and feel your best. In this article, we guide you through the typical lifespan of fillers, the frequency of touch-ups, and strategies to maintain your results for as long as possible.
How long do fillers last?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth wrinkles, and contour the face. Most of the dermal fillers used at Vitalogy, like Juvéderm® and Restylane®, are made with hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that naturally occurs in your skin and tissues. The longevity of these fillers depends on the specific product used and the area treated. However, in general:
- Lip fillers tend to last 6 to 9 months
- Cheek and midface fillers can last 12 to 18 months
- Jawline and chin fillers often last up to 12 months
- Under-eye (tear trough) fillers may last 9 to 12 months
How often do you need filler touch-ups?
While the average dermal filler lasts 6 to 12 months, regular maintenance is crucial to preserve your results consistently over time. A touch-up before your filler completely wears off ensures a smoother transition and avoids dramatic volume loss. Let’s look at the factors that determine how frequently you should schedule your filler touch-ups:
The area of the face treated
Different areas of the face metabolize filler at different rates. Lips, which move frequently, tend to break down filler faster, requiring touch-ups every 6 to 9 months. Cheeks and jawlines, on the other hand, tend to hold filler longer, with maintenance usually needed once a year.
The type of filler used
Not all hyaluronic acid fillers are created equal. Lighter, more flexible fillers like Juvéderm Ultra or Restylane Silk typically last 6 to 9 months. Thicker, cross-linked HA fillers like Juvéderm Voluma or Restylane Lyft, meant for deeper placement, may last up to 18 months.
Your personal metabolism
Your body naturally breaks down filler over time. If you have a fast metabolism, often the case if you are very active or younger, you may metabolize fillers more quickly, requiring touch-ups more frequently. Older individuals may find their fillers last longer due to a slower breakdown.
Your aesthetic goals
Some patients prefer a subtle, natural enhancement, while others desire a more sculpted or youthful appearance. The more dramatic the look, the more volume may be required, and the more frequently you may need touch-ups to maintain it. If you’re using fillers to reshape facial features (like enhancing cheekbones or contouring the jawline), you may need touch-ups every 6 to 9 months to help preserve definition and contours.
Lifestyle and skincare habits
Your skincare routine, sun exposure, hydration levels, and whether you smoke or drink alcohol can affect how long your filler lasts. Patients who follow healthy routines and avoid sun damage tend to see their filler last closer to the upper end of the average timeline.
Tips to extend the longevity of fillers:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and using SPF daily
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Follow a high-quality skincare regimen recommended by your provider
- Refrain from smoking or heavy alcohol use
- Minimize facial movement in the treated area during the first week
- Schedule maintenance appointments before the results fully wear off
- Choose the right filler for the treatment area and aesthetic goals
- Work with a skilled injector for optimal placement and product use
Vitalogy Health and Integrative Medicine offers expert guidance and precision-based fillers in Denver. Our providers will work with you to create a customized filler plan, including your ideal touch-up schedule, to help you maintain a youthful, natural appearance year-round. If you’re ready to refresh your look or want help planning your next filler touch-up, schedule a consultation with Vitalogy today.
