How can you help your dermal fillers last longer?
Dermal fillers including Hyaluronic Acid, Juvederm and Vycross are some of the most popular anti-ageing treatments in the United Kingdom. These minimally invasive procedures have the ability to restore lost facial volume, to plump the lips and smooth away wrinkles. Their biggest downside? They don’t last forever!
Although permanent results would be great, you have to know that this process is a natural one - dermal fillers are created using naturally occurring enzymes which means your body will metabolize the active substance, making the effects gradually fade away. That’s why your plastic surgeon must evaluate your desired results and design a long term plan for your injectable fillers, so you can look great at any time. But are there ways to minimise the time between two fillers? Let’s see!
How long do dermal fillers last? The longevity of a filler depends on many factors:
Dermal filler type - Hyaluronic Acid can last from three months to over two years, while Juvederm might last for up to 10 months, for example
The location of injection - dermal fillers last longer in areas with less movement (like cheeks or temples) and less in mobile areas (like your lips)
The formula of the filler
The amount
Your metabolic rate - a higher metabolic rate will break the filler compound down faster
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help your dermal fillers last longer:
1. Choose an experienced filler provider
To find the best dermal filler provider, analyse his/her website, look for professional training, online presence and reviews, as well as before & after photos. Ideally, dermal fillers are performed in a plastic surgeon’s clinic
2. Use sunscreen
Overexposure to UV rays is one of the most common causes of skin damage and can actually affect the results of your dermal filler procedure, by speeding up the breakdown process of your injectables. After the treatment, avoid going out during peak UV hours, always wear a high-quality sunscreen with SPF 50 (reapply properly too) and wear accessories that can help you shield your skin from the sun (like a hat with a wide brim or a pair of sunglasses) - this will help you maintain your results for longer.
3. Follow a skincare routine
Dermal fillers work best when paired with a consistent skincare routine. Besides wearing sunscreen, don’t forget to moisturise daily and drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated - this will enhance the effect of hyaluronic-based fillers and can help extend your results. Ask your plastic surgeon to recommend skincare products that are right for your skin type.
4. Healthy lifestyle
A proper skincare routine is not enough to obtain healthy skin - you’ll also have to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle:
Avoid stress, as it is a factor that accelerates the ageing process
Drink enough water
Get enough sleep
Don’t smoke
Eat a healthy diet - stay away from processed foods. It can directly affect both the appearance and health of your skin
Avoid excess sugar
These actions will help you prolong your filler results.
5. Maintenance treatments
Part of your long term plan for injectable fillers, these maintenance treatments are the most effective way to continually look youthful and have smooth skin. An experienced plastic surgeon will schedule the maintenance fillers just before the first fillers wear off.
