Like most things in life, dermal fillers do not last forever. You can keep your post-filler appearance by sticking to a regular touch-up schedule, but your filler will eventually disappear if left alone. That’s both good and bad news: while it means you will eventually need more injections to keep your results, it also means you will not be stuck with changes that didn’t quite come out how you expected.
Before you get your first filler injection, you may want to know how soon you will see results, how long your results will last, and how long it takes fillers to dissolve if you end up disliking your results.
How Long Does It Take Fillers to Settle?
Most dermal fillers settle or show their full results after 2-3 weeks, although there are some exceptions. It takes time for the filler to break down, integrate with the tissue in the surrounding area, and begin hydrating the skin.
You can expect different amounts of time for different fillers:
- Juvederm and Restylane fillers usually show their final results within two weeks.
- Radiesse fillers take between one and two weeks to settle.
- Sculptra takes 4-6 weeks to yield final results, but it also lasts longer than other filler options.
Some patients initially experience some swelling and minor bruising after the filler is injected, but it should go away within a few days to a week.
How Long Does it Take Fillers to Dissolve Naturally?
Different fillers tend to naturally dissolve at different speeds. Most hyaluronic acid fillers used in the lips, jawline, and cheeks, including Juvederm and Restylane, metabolize after 6 months to a year. Sculptra can continue to provide results in the face for up to two years.
There are some synthetic lip fillers that last longer than a year, but we generally do not recommend using them. Due to the nature of lip anatomy, filler materials do not always stay exactly where they are placed over time. It is hard to maintain the patient’s desired appearance unless the filler is temporary and easy to replace.
Keep in mind that fillers are often marketed to last until the last drop is dissolved. With most fillers, people start noticing volume loss again after around 6-9 months. We always recommend touching up and layering the product before you are completely dissolved.
Can You Dissolve Fillers Before They Naturally Wear Off?
One of the great things about using fillers rather than cosmetic surgery is that you can make adjustments. Cosmetic medicine is not an exact science, and patients who work with even the most experienced providers may occasionally find that they do not like their final results.
If you dislike the appearance of your filler and want to reverse it, you can get assistance from a skilled medical provider. Many common fillers can be easily dissolved or scaled back. The main exception is Sculptra, which cannot be reversed since its end result is collagen. Radiesse also cannot be reversed as it is made from a calcium base rather than a hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, which begins to work almost immediately. Many patients experience slight swelling or bruising after these injections, so you may not see most of the settled effect until 2-3 days after injection.
Hyaluronidase is generally safe to use, although like fillers themselves, it is not risk free. We recommend doing a patch test on the arm to ensure the patient is not allergic before injection in the face.
Can You Partially Dissolve Fillers?
You don’t have to dissolve all of your filler material to get rid of a little excess! If you wish to partially dissolve a temporary dermal filler, your medspa provider can often do so by injecting small amounts of enzyme. You’re not stuck with an overfilled lip or asymmetrical jawline until it wears off on its own
Sometimes you can adjust your post-filler appearance without any additional injections. Mild issues such as slight asymmetry can often be resolving simply by massaging the area. Your provider can either perform the massage or show you how to do it yourself. However, you should never perform massage unless instructed to do so by your provider!
What If I Want to Keep My Appearance Longer?
If you want to keep the appearance you achieved with a filler, you can get touch-up appointments to inject more filler whenever it begins to break down. Fillers may be temporary, but your appearance doesn’t have to be.
To get started with your first dermal filler or make adjustments to your post-filler appearance, make an appointment with Beauty Boost Med Spa. Our Orange County med spa location is staffed by highly trained medical providers who are skilled at providing positive outcomes and experiences. We begin every experience with a complimentary, no-obligation facial analysis.
