Are Dermal Fillers Lasting Longer Than We Thought?
Recently, there’s been growing interest about the longevity of Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers and whether they remain in the body longer than previously believed.
While it was traditionally understood that fillers dissolved completely within 8-12 months ( and this is still mostly the case) emerging evidence suggests some fillers in some patients remain a lot longer. This might explain the over-processed “pillow face” syndrome!
Recent studies and anecdotal reports indicate that HA fillers can persist in the body for potentially up to 20 years in some instances. This has been demonstrated using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound.
This research is changing how we understand dermal fillers and is raising important considerations for both patients and practitioners. So, what does this mean for those receiving dermal filler treatments going forward?
The Good News
The more prolonged presence of fillers may offer patients longer-lasting results, potentially reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
The need for caution
However, this also means that practitioners need to exercise more caution with repeated treatments. The concept of routine yearly maintenance may no longer be advisable, as repeated filler injections without careful assessment can lead to long-term puffiness or over-augmentation.
It’s essential to be mindful of “filler blindness” or becoming desensitized to how much filler is being used. Trust your aesthetic doctor’s judgment—filler should only be administered when necessary, rather than following a rigid maintenance schedule.
However even though fillers may last longer, the natural aging process continues. Maintenance treatments will still be necessary to address changes in facial structure and skin quality. The fact that fillers can persist doesn’t eliminate the need for additional treatments; it simply means both patients and doctors must be aware of the cumulative effects of repeated filler applications.
The Bad News
Complications can be long lasting too. If fillers are not correctly placed, or if infections occur during the procedure, these issues could result in more serious, long-lasting complications such as inflammatory nodules or filler migration.
Choosing the Right Practitioner Given these findings, selecting a qualified and experienced practitioner is more important than ever. AAMSSA is committed to promoting safe and ethical aesthetic medicine in South Africa.