Does Dermal Filler Ever Fully Disappear?

Whether you are considering enhancing your lips, defining your cheekbones, or sculpting your jawline, you may be considering dermal fillers as it has become a widely popular injectable treatment. With minimal to no swelling or bruising, filler can be an effective treatment for volume loss, and restoring a more youthful appearance. But how long do they last?

This is a trending topic and often talked about since traditionally hyaluronic acid filler is known to last between six and eighteen months. However, with MRI imaging, it is becoming apparent that filler can last a whole lot longer. Ultrasound, is another device where fillers have been found in the face even 12 years after being injected. An important point to discuss with your injector is what you have had injected not just in the past 6 months to a year, but at any time in your injection journey. Dermal fillers can be made from a variety of substances, some naturally occurring and some synthetic. One of the most common compounds used in dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally occurring substance found in our skin, and it plays a major role in keeping skin hydrated and volumized. 

Though the longevity of the injectable treatments is not necessarily a bad thing, it is important information to know. For instance, developing “pillowface,” asymmetry, or becoming overfilled can slowly happen with time and should be discussed with your injector.  Patients sometimes believe that after about a year their filler has disappeared, and come in for more injections. Oftentimes, the patients actually have dermal filler remaining in their face that has lasted a lot longer than expected. With an MRI scan, there are many details that you can get out of it including exactly where the filler remains in the face. 

Nothing to be alarmed about, fillers can last a lot longer than people say, and it is important to be discussed so patients are educated prior to injections. With age, there are many choices to look natural and fresh. Whether you're interested in hyaluronic acid injections, reconstructive surgery, or simply want your face to age naturally, it is always recommended to speak with a professional and grow awareness on the treatment.