Long-Term Effects of Dermal Fillers: What to Expect

Dermal fillers are among the most used cosmetic products that do not involve surgery to improve your appearance. Some of them are used for modelling facial features, such as smoothing out wrinkles and filling up thin lips and cheeks to give a youthful look. Well, but what should happen in one or two years? To make it easy for us to understand, let’s analyse the statement as follows;

How Dermal Fillers Work

They refer to gel-like substances injected just below the skin to replace lost volume and give the skin more volume to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The dermal fillers commonly used today are produced from hyaluronic acid (HA), a gel naturally present in the human body that helps retain skin moisture and elasticity. Calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) are others.

Fillers work at this capacity, and the results are immediate since they fill up the skin and make it appear fuller and thus youthful. However, while the formers are fast, the latter are essential to be aware of, as well as the drawbacks of using this technique.

Types of Dermal Fillers

There are different types of dermal fillers, and each works a bit differently:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: Common brands are Juvederm and Restylane. These fillers add moisture and volume to your skin.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: Radiesse is a well-known example. It’s used for deeper wrinkles and adds volume, like in the cheeks.
Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: Sculptra is the main one here. It helps your skin produce more collagen, which can gradually restore volume.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: Bellafill is an example of this long-lasting filler, often used for deep wrinkles or scars. If you want to get your dermal fillers done, check out SaRivaa.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Expectations

Short-Term Effects

The short-term effects of dermal fillers can be expected:

Immediate results: Fatty tissues such as fillers enhance and moisturize skin parts within a face right after the injection.
Mild swelling or bruising: All these side effects are likely to occur after the procedure but should go away within a few days.
Improved appearance: Superficial lines and folds, wrinkling and influence on facial volumes are enhanced and seem more evident.

Although fillers are not permanent, their consequences are visible for a period ranging from 6 months up to 1 and a half years, depending on the type of filler used and the client’s metabolism speed. Other dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, mainly consist of hyaluronic acid, metabolized slowly in the human body.

Long-Term Effects

For those who get dermal filler treatment, specific long-term effects can be classified as benefits, while others are side effects and or issues.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

The lifespan of dermal fillers depends on the type you choose and where it’s injected:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Last 6 to 18 months. Over time, your body absorbs the filler, so you’ll need touch-ups.
Calcium Hydroxylapatite Fillers: Typically last 12 to 18 months and may last longer as they boost collagen.
Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: Results develop over months, lasting up to 2 years or more.
Polymethylmethacrylate Fillers: These can last around five years or longer, offering more permanent results.

Dermal Filler Risks and Considerations

As we discussed above, dermal fillers have some benefits; however, it is essential to understand some risks and considerations. If you follow the aftercare instructions, you can eliminate these risks.

Changes in Skin Texture

With time, the dermal filler material can harm the skin’s texture, especially if administered incorrectly or provided frequently. If the use of the product is excessive, the skin may have a rheumatic appearance or seem overfilled. Sometimes, tubercles and roughness on the skin surface can result from wrong filler placement. Therefore, it is important to consult a competent practitioner to avoid these risks.

Tissue Changes

Sometimes, tissue changes can be noticed after a long-term injection with dermal filler. These may involve scar tissue development, the formation of granulomas, small hard lumps, or other changes in the tissue. Although such complications are not frequent, they show that long-term fillers should be used moderately and only with the recommendation of a professional.

Migration of Fillers

Sometimes, fillers move away from the injection site more often when injected too close to active muscle zones of the face (for example, near the mouth or the eyes). This makes it possible to get results that may need to be symmetrical, as required in many situations. Thus, the migration may not always be visible at once, but over time, the image may have a ‘twisted’ look. This is another reason why regular follow-ups with a skilled practitioner are crucial.

Potential For Overuse

Based on the psychological aspect of filler utilization in a long-term context, one of the major issues relates to the possibility of excess filler use. Some people will discover that they like the effects of fillers because they get instant gratification; therefore, they may overcompensate or continue applying more products. This can result in an unnatural, overfilled look, sometimes called “filler fatigue.” But, sometimes, it’s about tiny improvements and trusting your practitioner’s intuition about how much filler is enough.

Absorption And Repeat Treatments

The most frequently utilised wrinkle fillers, hyaluronic-acid-based products, are gradually metabolised and eliminated. This means that to maintain the results, one must redo them every 6 to 18 months. Some people may prefer such a possibility to change the treatment plan during therapy, while others may be locked with frequent appointments and corresponding costs.

Aftercare Tips for Dermal Fillers

The treatment process of dermal fillers involves several precautions that have to be observed to prevent adverse effects. Here are some simple tips to follow:

Don’t Touch the Area: The filler needs to be set for at least 24 hours, and one must not touch, rub or apply pressure to that area.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if you have hyaluronic acid fillers.
Avoid Intense Exercise: For the first 24 to 48 hours, skip heavy workouts to avoid shifting the filler.
Limit Sun Exposure: Keep out of the sun and avoid tanning beds for at least a week.
Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendation: Always follow the instructions given by your doctor.

Conclusion

Dermal fillers are effective, but knowing what happens in the long run is essential. Depending on the type applied, fillers’ impact on the skin can range from several months to several years. If you stick to the aftercare tips and get the right filler type, dermal fillers don’t need to bring any nasty surprises in the future; they bring softer and more youthful-looking skin to the present.