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Prevent a puffy, overly filled appearance & avoid the unnaturally bloated look and discover steps to take if you experience "pillow face" due to filler fatigue.
November 6, 2024
Table of Contents
Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume, smoothen lines/folds, and enhance facial contours.
Dermal fillers are available in various types and composed of different materials. These materials have unique properties, making fillers versatile products that can meet the diverse needs of a wide range of patients.
However, not all dermal fillers have the same longevity timeline.
Continue reading to discover how long some typically last and what factors affect its durability.
Factors that influence dermal filler longevity
The longevity of dermal fillers varies based on the type of filler used, the area being treated, and individual factors such as metabolism.
Patient’s metabolism rate
The most common fillers, like hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, typically last between 6 to 12 months, while calcium hydroxylapatite fillers may last between 12 to 18 months. Patients with faster metabolisms tend to break down fillers more quickly, so their results may not last as long.
Facial areas where the filler injections are made
The most common facial areas to get dermal fillers include:
- Forehead
- Temporal areas
- Tear trough
- Cheeks and mid face regions
- Nose
- Nasolabial folds
- Lips
- Marionette lines
- Chin
- Jawline
Areas of the face that experience more movement, such as the lips and around the mouth, tend to break down fillers faster. In comparison, areas with less movement, like the cheeks, usually maintain fillers for a longer period.
Types of dermal fillers available in Singapore
How dermal fillers disappear or react in our body
Dermal fillers, depending on their composition, generally dissolve over time rather than expand. The filler materials are biodegradable, meaning the body naturally breaks them down. This is an important feature for safety and aesthetics, allowing for gradual and natural-looking results.
However, some fillers such HA fillers are hydrophilic. In other words, they attract and retain water easily. This will lead to swelling or volume expansion after injection. Depending on the amount of HA fillers injected and the affected areas, the swelling may last for weeks or months. They generally do not expand significantly over time.
Dermal filler injections should be carried out by a licensed and experienced medical aesthetics doctor
The expertise of a medical aesthetic doctor is crucial. They should possess a strong understanding of facial anatomy, harmony, and appropriate injection techniques. During the consultation, they must communicate realistic expectations regarding the outcome.
Dr Ivan Puah brings 20 years of experience in facial cosmetic enhancements and body sculpting surgeries. He is also a Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) accredited liposuction doctor who offers treatment solutions to achieve optimal and flattering results, ensuring high patient satisfaction.
As of date, Dr Puah is an appointed trainer for Allergan as well as Merz Singapore, training fellow doctors on cosmetic injectables, including neurotoxins and dermal fillers. He has co-authored a paper on hyaluronic acid facial fillers and the prevention and management of one of its side effects that was published in the Singapore Medical Journal.
