Filler Myths

You’ve heard about new facial fillers such as Juvederm Volbella® or Restylane Refyne^®. Your doctor or nurse injector has many fillers in their tool box. How do they know which ones to use? What fillers are the longest lasting and what should you know about each facial filler. When you’re planning on getting fillers for your lips, smile lines, temples or cheek area its important to be well informed.

The most common fillers are Hyaluronic acid, HA is a natural substance found in your body. These fillers are easily dissolved with Hyaluronidase if you are overfilled, have complications or don’t like the way it looks. However, it’s important your injector knows how to use this product, as too much can dissolve your natural tissue, this is not permanent.

I’ve tried all the Hyaluronic acid fillers on the market today. I’ve been injected by the most skilled plastic surgeons, dermatologists and nurse injectors. I still experience swelling, bruising and have had fillers dissolved. Recently, I tried newer fillers like Juvederm Vollure ®, Juvederm Volbella® as well as Restylane Refyne^®and Restylane Defyne^®. My body breaks down fillers rapidly, therefore some fillers have a shorter duration. Due to different technologies and your body’s chemistry some fillers may cause more swelling and bruising than other fillers. Expect swelling and bruising especially with lip and under the eye fillers.

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I had my first filler injection in the the late 1990’s and have tried every filler on the market except Bellafill, a permanent filler.

There are more FDA approved fillers on the market today and more are awaiting approval. The documented length of time a Filler lasts is based on the results from the manufacturer’s clinical trials. Millions of dollars are spent on marketing campaigns and provider training courses.

Consumers should be aware that these results are guidelines only.

The results that you get from any filler injection and how long it will last for you may differ than the documented results seen in the clinical trials. If you think that your filler will last 9 months and it only lasts for 6 months, don’t blame your injector. It’s not the product or the injector’s fault, it is the way your body metabolizes the filler and where it has been placed in your face. Lip filler is not going to last as long as filler under your eyes.

As a plastic surgery and aesthetic coach, I hear all too often from my clients that they are disappointed with their Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon after getting for example, Voluma because it did not last 2 years as advertised. This is an average only. As the product is on the market longer the documented results may change.

Here is a realistic guideline to keep in mind when you budget for fillers.

All HA fillers are temporary. They will last between 6-9 months.
Fine line fillers Restylane Silk and Belotero may only last 6 months. In some cases less.
Voluma, a deeper filler may last UP TO 2 years. However, you will probably need more filler at 9 -12 months to give it a boost
Juvederm may last 9 months depending on placement
Restylane Lyft which is the same as Perlane lasts UP to 18 months. Realistic expectation 9-12 months

Non- HA Fillers

Radiesse lasts 9- 12 months. Realistic expectations- 9 months. Radiesse hand injections may last 9 months with a boost
Sculptra can last up to 25 months after the last treatment. You may need a touch-up in 12- 18 months
Bellafill is a permenant filler

If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you.