Dermal cheek fillers enhance facial symmetry, restore lost volume, fade lines, and sculpt or add lift to cheekbones. However, these desired improvements are not permanent. Your fillers could last 15 months, yet your friend’s last merely 2 months. Why?
Dermal cheek fillers come in various formulations, each with unique properties. Due to differences in composition, each dermal cheek filler interacts with skin uniquely and lasts for varying durations.
Furthermore, certain factors reduce the lifespan of cheek fillers. So, to help you make well-informed decisions, we’ll explore how long different dermal cheek fillers last and the factors.
Read on to find out!
How Long Do Cheek Fillers Last?
Before we learn the longevity of different types of cheek fillers, note that you do not decide on the filler type.
Of course, you may have a preference for a particular brand. However, it is the practitioner’s responsibility to note your objectives and expectations and recommend a suitable filler type.
Apart from objectives and expectations, the practitioner assesses your facial anatomy, age, skin type, and primary concerns. The practitioner must also evaluate your medical history, past aesthetic procedures, and risk of allergies.
Finally, the practitioner must take you through suitable cheek filler options and outline the pros, cons, longevity, and risks associated with each.
From there, based on the practitioner’s medical experience and prowess, they’ll recommend a filler from among the options, and you’ll decide whether to proceed with the procedure.
To give you a glimpse into the numbers, here is a look into how long do cheek fillers last:
1. Polymethyl Methacrylate Cheek Fillers (About 5 years or more)
The structure of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) cheek fillers includes a gel-like consistency housing tiny, biocompatible microspheres.
When the aesthetician injects them into your cheeks, the gel-like base provides immediate lift or contour. The microspheres, on the other hand, settle in place and stimulate collagen production around them.
While your body can gradually break down the gel-like substance, it cannot break down the microspheres. That’s why, even after the gel-like part dissolves completely, you’ll still retain the cheek structural or volume adjustments for up to about five years.
Even though PMMA fillers last that long, keep in mind that reversing their effects in case of a complication is difficult. You must find an experienced injector for the procedure and make up your mind because the changes from PMMA fillers are mostly permanent.
2. Poly-L-lactic Acid Cheek Fillers (2 to 3 years tops)
Unlike PMMA cheek fillers, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) cheek fillers do not contour or add volume to your cheeks instantly.
When the aesthetician or dermatologist injects you with PLLA fillers, you may notice an immediate lift around your cheeks. However, this effect results from the saline or water solution holding the PLLA particles. The effect fades within days as your body absorbs the solution.
You start observing the desired effects of PLLA fillers after weeks or months. These visible results are an indicator of the biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic polymers in the filler actively stimulating collagen synthesis within the cheek area. This process continues for 2 to 3 years tops, naturally contouring and lifting your cheeks.
Remember, PLLA cheek fillers won’t plump your cheeks immediately. You must patiently wait for your body to break down the PLLA materials into water and carbon dioxide, depositing natural collagen that diminishes aging effects.
3. Calcium Hydroxylapatite Cheek Fillers (12 to 18 months)
Like PMMA fillers, calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers contain minuscule and biodegradable microspheres floating in a gel-like carrier. In this case, the microspheres are made from calcium hydroxylapatite — a mineral naturally present in your bones.
The gel-like base is thicker or denser, making it suitable for deeper injections to address extreme volume loss. Moreover, the dense consistency grants you immediate contour or lift once injected.
While the gel-like part of the CaHA filler adds volume, the microspheres stimulate collagen synthesis. So, even after metabolizing the gel component, the skin around the cheeks keeps thriving as collagen enhances its strength and structure. This process goes on for about 12 to 18 months. However, there’s a catch!
Even though highly effective, the effects of CaHA fillers are also challenging to reverse. Seek the services of an experienced practitioner to reduce the chances of a complication like unevenness or lumps.
The most effective solution for such complications is waiting for about 12 to 18 months for your body to absorb or break down the filler material. For severe complications, surgery is normally the only option.
4. Hyaluronic Acid Cheek Fillers (6 to 24 months)
Hyaluronic acid (HA) cheek fillers are the most popular because practitioners can use hyaluronidase to reverse various complications. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme capable of breaking down hyaluronic acid fillers quickly.
Moreover, hyaluronic acid is naturally produced in the eyes, joints, and skin. While it supports fluid balance in the eyes, it lubricates joints and helps skin hold moisture, helping it retain its plump and youthful look.
However, the natural hyaluronic acid in your body is usually metabolized in days. So, how do hyaluronic acid cheek fillers last for 6 to 24 months?
First, the hyaluronic acid in cheek fillers is not animal-based. It is produced in the lab through various biotechnological methods like bacterial fermentation.
Second, the hyaluronic acid in cheek fillers is cross-linked, stabilizing it in a way that your body cannot metabolize it that fast. That is why it can last for 6 to 12 months depending on various factors like viscosity and injection depth.
Overall, the longevity of hyaluronic acid and the other types of dermal cheek fillers shifts based on various factors. Here are factors that impact how long do cheek fillers last.
What Reduces the Lifespan of Cheek Fillers?
1. Flawed injection technique
To achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results after a cheek filler injection procedure, the practitioner must have an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. Moreover, the practitioner must have experience injecting various fillers because each behaves differently.
Entrusting the procedure to an experienced practitioner is highly likely to lead to filler complications as a result of poor injection technique. For instance, the practitioner may unevenly distribute filler material or inject it at a shallow depth. Either of these mistakes means having to get another practitioner to correct the issue or completely get rid of the fillers.
2. Filler injection depth and age
Fillers injected close to the skin surface do not last longer compared to those injected deeper into the cheek muscle. This is because the muscles close to the skin’s surface experience more movements compared to deep-placed muscles.
In addition to muscle movement, the fillers close to the skin surface are normally exposed to sun rays, accelerating filler breakdown.
Speaking of age, younger skin has greater potential to hold fillers for long compared to older skin. This is because younger skin generates more collagen and elastin, supporting the skin’s capacity to hold the fillers in place and not break them down quickly.
3. Swift metabolism
If you have a swift metabolism, it means your body would break down and absorb filler material much faster. For example, if you get hyaluronic fillers, the hyaluronidase enzyme would break down the filler quickly while in the process of regulating the body’s hyaluronic acid levels.
Fillers that may last long despite having a rapid metabolism include calcium hydroxylapatite and polymethyl methacrylate. That’s because the microspheres in these fillers stimulate collagen production around them, providing them a temporary protective shield.
4. Poor lifestyle choices
Besides swift metabolism, poor lifestyle choices do negatively impact how long do cheek fillers last. Choices including smoking speed up the breakdown of cheek fillers as it negatively impacts skin by decreasing collagen synthesis and blood flow.
Other unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol intake dehydrate your skin, leaving it less elastic and generally unhealthy. This makes your skin absorb or break down filler material rapidly, with the hope to sustain its health.
Exposing skin to UV rays for extended periods also accelerates the absorption of filler material, declining longevity. The rays damage your skin’s elastin and collagen fibers, compromising its ability to hold fillers in place. This causes the skin to degrade filler material swiftly.
5. Improper aftercare and maintenance
After a cheek filler procedure, an experienced practitioner must guide you on how to care for the treated area to boost the longevity of the fillers. These aftercare instructions include the short and long term dos and don’ts to avoid filler complications and sustain longevity.
If you do not follow aftercare instructions or receive incorrect instructions, there is a high likelihood of developing complications. It is up to you to create a checklist of the dos and don’ts and adhere to them.
Moreover, don’t skip follow-up appointments. The appointments ensure the practitioner assesses the healing process and early indicators of future complications.
Also, the aesthetician would let you know when to get touch-ups if you want to retain the fillers over a long period. Nonetheless, if you notice any of these signs before the appointment due date, reach out to your select practitioner immediately.
Signs Suggesting a Cheek Filler Touch-up or Complication
1. Asymmetry between cheeks
Observe filler symmetry in the mirror. What do you see? If you notice that one side is fuller than the other, it's a sign that the fillers have migrated or the practitioner did not study your facial anatomy well. Perhaps your body is metabolizing cheek filler at different rates.
In severe cases, it could indicate unexpected swelling. Let your practitioner know so that they can determine whether you need a touch-up or something else.
2. Visible loss of volume
Noticeable volume loss suggests that your body has metabolized the cheek filler material or some of the filler material has been displaced.
Poor injection technique or faulty filler formulation can also result in quick visible loss of volume. Having the practitioner take a look should help you understand what’s going on and the suitable solution.
3. Sagging skin
Even after getting cheek fillers, the skin around the treated area may sag. This indicates that the injector did not inject the right amount.
If the fillers hold in place for a while only for your skin to sag again, there are greater chances that your body metabolizes filler material at a high rate.
Your practitioner should examine the treated area and schedule a touch-up session or suggest more solutions.
4. Persistent swelling or bruising
Right after a dermal cheek filler injection procedure, it is okay to experience mild bruising or swelling for about a week or two. If the two persist beyond this period, it is a sign of an infection, improper filler placement, or an allergic reaction.
Your practitioner must look into the situation to provide an early solution, avoiding further complications.
5. Bumps or lumps around the treated area
Bumps or lumps occur due to the accumulation of fillers in one place following a filler displacement. They could also result from an allergic reaction or an infection. Consult your practitioner immediately to help determine the primary cause of irregularities and the appropriate solution.
6. Ongoing pain
Like bruising or swelling, you may experience mild pain after a cheek filler procedure. However, if the pain persists, it may be a sign of an infection or an allergic reaction.
An infection is normally characterized by swelling, warmth, and redness, while an allergic reaction leads to localized pain, redness, and swelling. An experienced practitioner should help you understand the cause of the pain and intervene to avoid more issues.
Conclusion
Determining how long do cheek fillers last begins with noting the longevity of the four primary types of dermal cheek fillers.
Manufacturers and researchers have tested each and have revealed the approximate longevity period for each filler type. However, there are factors that reduce the lifespan of dermal cheek fillers. For instance, metabolism and lifestyle choices.
So, explore this piece deeply to understand what not to do to boost filler longevity. Moreover, don’t forget to note the signs suggesting a cheek filler touch-up or complication.
Always seek help from a certified and experienced practitioner whenever you feel something is not right. This will reduce the likelihood of filler complications and grant you long-lasting results.
Youthful Results Await - Take the First Step!
If you are considering dermal cheek fillers, this is your chance for a worthwhile beauty journey. We’ve dedicated years of study and research into dermal cheek filler aesthetic products. Not only that, our team ensures each product we offer has the highest global standards. So, take your first step towards youthful-looking skin with the help of our Hyaluronic Acid Cheek Filler today!
