Categories: Blog

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

People seek injectable dermal fillers Elgin for a variety of reasons, but one of the overarching considerations they typically have is how long their results will last. While new technologies have created modern fillers that are more durable than those of the past, there are a variety of factors that determine the longevity of treatment results. Our team at Allure Laser & Med Spa in Tinley Park, IL can design a  treatment program that will give you the longest-lasting results possible.

While there are many variables that affect the efficacy and duration of results, some are within patients’ control, such as lifestyle habits, skincare routine, and sun exposure, but others are not. Things like age, skin tone, and genetics can also play a role in the longevity of your results.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

In decades past, dermal filler options were limited. Collagen replacement treatments were the only true fillers, and they typically lasted less than six months. Today’s ingredients give much longer results with much more efficacy. These options include products containing hyaluronic acid, silicone, poly-L-lactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, hyaluronic acid, and polymethylmethacrylate.

Other factors such as injection location and amount of product used will determine how long the results will last. Some products have a molecular makeup that resists breaking down in the body longer than others. In addition, thicker products tend to be injected more deeply into the skin’s layers while thinner fillers are injected just beneath the top layer of skin. Because of this, more dense fillers stay put longer than thinner fillers.

Dermal Fillers We Offer

Juvederm

Allure Laser & MedSpa offers two of Juvederm’s injectable fillers: Voluma and Vollure. These products are made of hyaluronic acid, a polysaccharide that attracts and holds up to one hundred times its weight in water. This makes it a powerful agent of hydration for the skin.

Voluma

Voluma is the thickest of all gels in the Juvederm family of products. Because it is injected more deeply than other fillers, it tends not to migrate to surrounding areas and reduces the chance of over-correcting. It’s thickness also enhances its longevity, having been proven to last up to two years for some people. It is used to treat the midface area, such as the nose, cheeks, and nasolabial folds (NSFs).

Vollure

Vollure has a thinner consistency than Voluma because it is designed to lift and firm high-mobility areas such as the mouth, lips, and chin. While it doesn’t last as long as Voluma, it is durable enough to handle the frequent muscle movements of these areas, allowing for more natural facial expressions. It has been shown to last up to 18 months.

Radiesse

With regular maintenance, Radiesse treatments can last up to a year or longer. This filler is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe wrinkles in the face. Its calcium hydroxyapatite-based formula is highly biocompatible and generally well-tolerated. Calcium hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring substance in the body and has been used for medical purposes for nearly 20 years.

Belotero

Like Juvederm, Belotero’s key ingredient is a hyaluronic acid-based line of products that can last up to six months or longer. They are formulated at different consistencies to target different areas of the face. Belotero uses a cross-linking technology that creates a stronger, more durable hyaluronic acid gel. Therefore, while these products are designed to treat moderate to severe etched-in lines and folds, they can also treat the more delicate skin of the lips and mouth area.

Understanding Your Skin: Structure and Function

In order to understand how dermal fillers Elgin improve your skin, it’s helpful to understand a little about anatomy and physiology. Your skin is your largest organ, and it works hard to defend you against harmful microorganisms, harsh environmental conditions, and other threats. It takes a lot of damage over time, which only exacerbates the challenges of aging.

Your skin is a layered structure, each with a different form and function. As these layers start to break down and become weaker with age, our blood vessels carry fewer nutrients and our glands produce less oil and water. This loss of hydration depletes our skin’s ability to restore and renew itself, which is why many turn to dermal fillers Elgin .

The Three Layers

Your skin is made up of three layers, each with different functions. From the outside in, these layers are the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis (or subcutaneous). The epidermis, the outermost layer, acts as a waterproof barrier that protects us from ultraviolet radiation exposure, among other things. Just below this is the dermis, which is responsible for sensation and hydration. This is the layer where most fillers are delivered.

Finally, the third layer is the hypodermis. This layer houses the deeper blood vessels and connective tissue that are important in nutrient transfer. The thickest fillers are sometimes injected into this layer.

How Skin Ages

As collagen production slows and hydration wanes, our skin begins to stretch thinner and lose elasticity. The skin bruises more easily as blood vessels weaken, which limits nutrient transfer and makes the skin less resilient. Fragile skin succumbs to gravity, beginning to sag and droop. This results in skin that takes longer to heal and does not rebound as quickly as it used to.

Your Appointment: The Treatment Process

The Consultation

During your consultation, our medical staff will inquire about your general health, lifestyle, concerns, and skincare routine. You will also be asked about any medications you may be taking (including over-the-counter drugs) and whether you will be seeking any other cosmetic services alongside your filler treatments. Our team is experienced at developing a personalized treatment and maintenance plan that will maximize your desired results.

Preparation and Pre-Treatment

Our team will likely recommend a few precautions and guidelines to follow in the days leading up to your appointment. Avoiding alcohol and any activities that can dry out or irritate the skin will ensure it is in the best condition possible to accommodate treatment. In addition, you may want to avoid blood-thinning medications such as Advil and Motrin, which can encourage bruising.

Spend some time writing down any questions you may have for our seasoned professionals and feel free to express any concerns. Taking special care of your skin during this time is critical to achieving optimal results. It is important to protect your skin from damage, including sun exposure, harsh weather, and anything else that can increase skin sensitivity.

The Treatment Session

At your appointment, our specialists will examine your skin and make sure it is adequately prepared to receive treatment. You may be offered a topical analgesic to maximize comfort, but most patients report that the process is convenient and painless. The filler gel will be delivered via tiny, ultrafine needles, and you will be able to return to your normal daily activities directly after your appointment.

Recovery

As with most medical outpatient services, getting adequate nourishment and drinking lots of water can go a long way to enhance your skin’s recovery. Good lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep and avoiding damaging activities such as smoking and tanning will encourage positive results. Prioritizing a consistent skincare routine will also extend the effectiveness of your treatment.

Factors That Could Affect Your Results

Lifestyle

Observing your lifestyle choices and making positive changes will enhance the efficacy and longevity of your treatment results. It’s no secret that many unhealthy habits can actually accelerate the aging process. Constant stress and a sedentary lifestyle can create hormone imbalances which affect skin quality. Tanning and smoking deplete energy reserves and introduce damaging chemicals into the body, which in turn damages the skin’s condition.

Amount of Product and Injection Location

It stands to reason that the more product used in an area, the longer it will last. In addition, it also makes sense that high-mobility areas will break down the filler more quickly than more static areas. Thinner gels in areas with lots of movement, such as the mouth and lips, will spread to surrounding areas, as opposed to thicker gels that tend to stay put longer. Our experts will work with you to determine which combination of formulas is best for your areas of concern.

Severity of Collagen Loss

If your skin has experienced severe collagen loss, don’t be disheartened. While severe sagging and deep hollows are frustrating, our team is experienced at problem-solving just about any challenge. While it may take more maintenance (and more product) to achieve your goals, you are also likely to see the most impactful benefits.

Experienced Professionals

It may seem obvious, but doing your research and choosing the most qualified and experienced professionals to administer your filler treatment will give you the best results. Your results are only as good as your medical team. Our talented team makes education a priority. Our doctors, nurses, and support staff are seasoned experts with substantial training in the highest quality dermal filler treatments.

How to Get the Most From Your Results

Get Regular Maintenance

Regular touch-ups between office visits will extend the duration of your results. You are likely to remain more satisfied with your progress if you are consistent and follow the advice given by our medical team before, during, and after treatment. Some research indicates that the longer you continue your treatment, the more your skin becomes conditioned to it, and the more effectively it responds.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Introducing a more holistic approach to your health and skincare can be helpful in making your results last. Cortisol, the stress hormone, can impair skin quality, so working toward reducing unnecessary stressors in your life will not just enhance the effectiveness of your treatments, but also can improve many other functional systems in your body. In addition, stress often manifests as skin problems such as acne and hives.

Make Your Skin a Priority

Wearing sunscreen and limiting exposure to ultraviolet radiation (either from the sun or from tanning beds) will benefit your treatment, as will developing a consistent skincare routine. Avoid using personal care products with drying or irritating ingredients, such as retinol. Our team can make additional recommendations for products and companion treatments that will keep your skin in pristine condition.

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

The popularity of dermal fillers in Elgin has grown exponentially because of their convenience, efficacy, and low-risk safety profile. While most people who seek treatment are over 30, younger people experience dull, sagging skin for many reasons, including health conditions and weight loss. Therefore, almost anyone who is over 21 and dissatisfied with their skin’s texture and appearance can benefit from dermal fillers Elgin .

Get Started Today

Dermal fillers Elgin are an effective and convenient way to restore your confidence and skin quality. Sessions are quick and completed as an outpatient service. Don’t wait to get healthier, more vibrant skin. Call our qualified professionals at Allure Laser & Med Spa in Tinley Park, IL for a consultation today.

Toni Scott-Terry, MD

Recent Posts

From Athletes to Everyday Individuals: Who Can Benefit From EMSCULPT®?

EMSCULPT is a body contouring treatment that can help many different people achieve their body…

2 months ago

EMSCULPT®: How Body Contouring Impacts Well-Being

In today's fast-paced world, taking a moment to focus on personal well-being is more important…

3 months ago

How to Speed Up Your CoolSculpting Results: A Quick Guide

At Allure Laser Med Spa in Tinley Park, IL, we understand the importance of achieving…

4 months ago

What Is Pellet Hormone Therapy? Taking a Closer Look

Hormonal balance is essential for maintaining optimal health and wellness. As we age, our hormone…

5 months ago

The Science Behind Skin Resurfacing: How It Works to Revitalize Your Skin

Sun exposure, aging, and other factors can lead to uneven skin tones, scarring, or the…

7 months ago