How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last and Can They Be Reversed?
Dermal fillers restore volume and smooth lines without surgery. Most people want to know how long dermal fillers last before booking their appointment. The answer depends on what you get and where you get it.
Different products break down at different speeds. Your lips move constantly, so filler there won’t last as long as in your cheeks. Your metabolism matters too. Some people process things faster than others.
This guide explains how long to expect results in different areas and whether you can undo them if something goes wrong. We’ll stick to the facts about maintaining healthy skin and getting natural-looking results.
What Affects the Longevity of Dermal Fillers?
Several things determine how long your results last. Knowing what to expect helps you plan better.
The product type makes the biggest difference. Hyaluronic acid lasts 6-18 months, usually. Poly-L-lactic acid can go 18-24 months, but takes time to build up. Calcium hydroxylapatite typically gives you about a year.
Where you get treated matters just as much; your lips never stop moving. You talk, eat, smile, and frown all day. That constant motion breaks down filler much faster than areas like your cheeks that barely move.
Your body chemistry plays a role, too. People who work out a lot or have fast metabolisms tend to process filler quickly. Smoking and sun damage can speed things up as well.
How deep the injection goes affects duration. Deeper placement usually lasts longer, but it takes an experienced injector to get the placement right.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last by Area of the Face?
Each part of your face behaves differently with filler. Some areas are much better at holding onto it than others.
How long do dermal fillers last in the cheeks?
Dermal fillers last in the cheeks about 12-18 months. This is one of the best areas for longevity.
Cheeks don’t move much compared to other parts of your face. The products used here are usually thicker and more substantial since you’re replacing lost volume. These heavier formulas just hold up better over time.
Most injectors place cheek filler deep, sometimes right on the bone. That deeper placement helps it stick around longer.
How long do dermal fillers last in lips
Dermal fillers last in the lips, maybe 6-12 months at most. Sometimes less. Your lips are constantly active. Every word you speak moves them. Every bite of food, every drink, every expression. All that movement wears down the filler faster than anywhere else.
Lip fillers have to be soft and flexible, or you’d look fake. But that flexibility means they break down quicker. Most people come back every 8-10 months.
How long do dermal fillers last under eyes
Dermal fillers last under the eyes around 9-12 months on average. Results vary more here than in other places. The under-eye area doesn’t move much, which should help. But the skin is extremely thin, and the anatomy gets tricky. Some people see fading at 8 months, others make it to 15 months.
This area needs someone who really knows what they’re doing. Mistakes here often need to be dissolved rather than waiting for natural breakdown.
Overview of Different Filler Types and Their Durability
Each type of filler has its own timeline and characteristics.
- Hyaluronic acid remains the most popular choice. Brands like Juvederm and Restylane make different versions—some last longer, others move more naturally. You’re looking at 6-18 months, depending on which one you pick.
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) gives about 12 months but also stimulates collagen production. So you get immediate results plus some longer-term benefits.
- Sculptra uses poly-L-lactic acid and takes months to show full effects. But once it kicks in, results can last 18-24 months. It trains your skin to make more collagen.
- Semi-permanent options like Bellafill can last years. The catch? You can’t undo them if you don’t like the results.
Before any treatment, understand the dermal filler candidate criteria and dermal fillers’ side effects to avoid any issues or miscommunication.
Can Dermal Fillers Be Reversed or Dissolved?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be undone with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. This is a huge advantage.
The enzyme dissolves the filler by breaking it apart. Results start within hours, and you’ll see most of the change in 24-48 hours. Sometimes you need multiple sessions if there is a lot of product.
This safety net makes hyaluronic acid much less risky. Don’t like your results? Something went wrong? It can be fixed.
But other types can’t be dissolved. When it comes to Sculptra, Radiesse, and Bellafill, you wait for them to break down naturally. No shortcuts available. That’s why starting conservatively with these products is so important.
Don’t even think “can you buy dermal fillers online”. Only licensed professionals can acquire the product because professional injection ensures safety and access to reversal options if needed.
When Should You Refresh or Top-Up Your Fillers?
Timing your touch-ups right keeps you looking consistent instead of having obvious “work done” moments. Getting this wrong means either looking overdone or having that deflated look when everything wears off at once.
For hyaluronic acid, most people do best around 8-12 months, depending on the area and how fast their body processes things. Don’t wait until everything disappears completely – that makes it much harder to maintain the same look. You end up needing more product to get back to where you were.
The smart approach is booking your next appointment when you’re at maybe 60-70% of your original result. Still looks good, but you can tell it’s starting to fade. This way, each treatment builds on what’s left rather than starting from scratch.
Your lips might need attention every 6-8 months since they fade fastest. Cheeks can often go 12-15 months before needing a refresh. Under-eyes fall somewhere in between at 9-12 months typically.
Sculptra works on a completely different timeline. You usually need a series of treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart initially to build up the collagen stimulation. Then, yearly maintenance once you’ve achieved the effect you want. Trying to rush Sculptra by doing treatments too close together doesn’t work – your body needs time to respond.
Watch for subtle changes that signal it’s time to think about touch-ups. Lines are starting to come back gradually. Less fullness than you remember. Slight shifts in your facial shape or contours. These happen slowly over weeks or months, giving you plenty of time to plan ahead and book appointments.
Some people prefer small touch-ups more often to stay ahead of any changes. Maybe every 6-8 months with just half a syringe to maintain things. Others wait for more obvious fading and do a complete refresh with full syringes. Both approaches work fine – it’s about your preference and budget.
Keep photos on your phone from right after treatment and check them every few months. It’s hard to notice gradual changes when you see yourself every day, but comparing to photos makes the timeline clearer.
References
Buhren, B. A., Schrumpf, H., Bölke, E., Kammers, K., & Gerber, P. A. (2018). Standardized in vitro analysis of the degradability of hyaluronic acid fillers by hyaluronidase. European Journal of Medical Research, 23(1), 37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-018-0334-9
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, April 8). Dermal fillers: What they are, types, benefits & side effects. Cleveland Clinic Health Library. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22667-dermal-fillers
Hannan, C., & Lindberg, S. (2021, November 15). How long do dermal fillers last? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-filler-last
Kroumpouzos, G., & Treacy, P. (2024). Hyaluronidase for dermal filler complications: Review of applications and dosage recommendations. JMIR Dermatology, 7, e50403. https://doi.org/10.2196/50403
McKeown, D. (2025, April 9). How long do fillers last? The longevity of dermal fillers. Dr. Darren McKeown. https://www.drdarrenmckeown.com/filler/how-long-do-fillers-last/
