How to Prolong the Effect of Fillers

Dermal fillers give contour, radiance, and volume to your face in just a matter of days. You can create smooth, younger-looking skin and reduce wrinkles and other age spots.

The process allows you to see results quickly and can last for weeks, months, or years, depending on the filler type and location and how you care for them. Although fillers aren’t permanent, there are steps you can take to prolong their effects and keep that beautiful look for much longer.

Process of Getting Fillers

The process for getting fillers is typically quick. First, you meet with the professional injecting the fillers before scheduling an appointment so they can give you an idea of where the fillers will go in your skin. They may use a pen or marker to mark various locations and recommend the best filler for you. You’ll disclose any allergies, sensitivities, or skin conditions that could impact the process.

During your appointment, the professional will clean your skin to prepare it for the injections. They may apply a cream or lotion with an anesthetic to numb the area and make the treatment more enjoyable. They’ll then inject your skin with small filler amounts. Depending on the treatment you request, and where your provider needs to apply filler, the process can take between a few minutes to about an hour.

After the treatment, you’ll see results quickly. Dermal filler treatments typically have minimal recovery time, and you can enjoy enhancements such as:

• Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
• Plump lips
• High, round cheeks
• Bright, light skin
• Restored facial fat loss
• Full jaw, chin, or under-eye hollows

How Long Do Fillers Last?

Fillers aren’t a permanent change. You can expect your fillers to last between six months and two years, depending on the procedure you’re getting and the filler you’re using. For example, Juvederm can last a year or two with a touchup treatment, while Restylane typically lasts five months to one year.

Fillers can fade due to the following:

• Injection location: Active parts of the face will cause fillers to fade more quickly than non-active areas. Lips are a popular place for fillers, but this is the most active area of the face. Talking, eating, and drinking rely on movement, and you can expect to need touchups more frequently for filler in that area.
• Injection dosage: Small dosages will dissipate more quickly because there’s less filler to work through. Areas that need multiple injections close together or higher dosages will retain the filler longer.
• Filler type: Like many other products, fillers have varying properties and effects. They also have different designs to accommodate various uses. For example, injections to fill fine lines have different properties than those on the bone. How your body metabolizes the filler and whether it has any protein to protect it will affect how long your filler lasts.
• Environment: Radiation, air pollution, and other external factors affect how long fillers last. These environmental elements can cause the skin to age and diminish your results.
• Your body: Age and genetic factors can influence the filler dissipation rate. Each person processes proteins differently, and active, athletic people typically metabolize filler more quickly.

Although you can’t control some of these factors, fillers still offer incredible results, and the touchups are well worth the investment. Thankfully, there are also steps you can take to get the most from your fillers so you can enjoy them for much longer.

How to Take Care of Fillers

You always want to get the most out of your fillers so you can enjoy your refreshed, youthful look for as long as possible. There’s no way you can make your fillers last forever, but you can increase their life spans by taking extra steps and precautions. You can make dermal fillers last by following these tips:

1. Provide gentle movement after the procedure: Gentle movement can help ensure the filler has an even distribution and prolong the results.
2. Refrain from touching it for 24 hours: Avoid putting any pressure on the area for about a day after your procedure. Try not to rub your face when washing it, and stay away from exfoliators. Doing so can ensure the filler stays in place and doesn’t dissipate from the treatment site. Also, avoid sleeping on the area for one or two nights. 
3. Increase your water intake: Hydration keeps wrinkles at bay and can help maintain filler injections. Drinking water throughout the day can hydrate your skin and slow the process of breaking down the filler.
4. Step up your skincare routine: Properly caring for your skin with moisturizer can enhance your skin’s ability to absorb water, empowering you to keep your wrinkle-free, plump complexion. Also, consider products that stimulate collagen production to create a stronger skin structure and contribute to your youthful appearance. Additionally, consider products with vitamin C to aid against sun damage or pollution. 
5. Control sun exposure: Any time you go outside, you should wear sun protection, which is especially important after your treatment. The sun’s rays can reverse your filler’s benefits. Sunscreen with vitamin C can protect your skin and filler from harmful rays.
6. Clean up your diet: Your dietary choices significantly affect your health, appearance, and skin. Avoiding processed or packaged foods and reducing sugar can help prevent inflammation and improve overall skin health. 
7. Reduce daily stress: Stress stems from many everyday activities and situations, and it can negatively impact your body in many ways. High stress can streamline the aging process, effectively working against your filler.
8. Get regular touchups: If you have a long-lasting procedure, you can ensure its life span by getting regular touchups to enhance the effects. Doing so can also help train your muscles to respond better to the material.
9. Limit your exercise: Overextending yourself in the gym can take a toll on your filler results. While you should remain active, you may want to limit the high-intensity training.

Rejuvenate Your Face With SPRSI

At Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Special Institute, we pride ourselves on outstanding patient care with a holistic and comprehensive approach. Our plastic surgeon, Dr. Nathan Brought, has trained with some of the most respected surgeons in the industry and has extensive experience in trauma, burn surgery, maxillofacial reconstruction, microvascular surgery, breast reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery. 

With our holistic approach, you can expect personalized care and attention for your filler procedures, creating results you’ll love. We pride ourselves on being compassionate and attentive, so we can always deliver enjoyable and comfortable experiences to every patient.

If you’re looking for fillers in the Nashville area, you can count on SPRSI to deliver. With us, you can plump your lips, add volume to your cheeks, improve your eye hollows, reduce scar appearances, and more. For more information about our fillers, schedule a consultation with SPRSI.