Many factors come into play. As a cosmetic physician with over a decade of experience using various dermal fillers in Phoenix, I get this question all the time: “How long do dermal fillers really last?” The answer is… it varies.
Understanding Dermal Fillers Longevity
While most FDA-approved dermal fillers last about 12 months on average, the actual duration depends on multiple factors, including where the filler is injected, the product type, the amount used, and your individual metabolism.
For patients in Arizona, where outdoor activities, heat, and UV exposure are part of daily life, fillers may break down slightly faster due to increased sun exposure and dehydration. Maintaining proper hydration and using daily SPF can help extend your results.
How Product Type Affects Duration
The most common fillers — hyaluronic acid (HA) brands like Restylane® and Juvéderm® — typically last 6 to 18 months.
These products are composed of cross-linked hyaluronic acid molecules that form a smooth injectable gel. Newer HA fillers, such as Juvéderm Voluma®, use advanced cross-linking technology to resist breakdown, offering results that can last up to 2 years when used in larger quantities.
For Arizona patients who spend significant time outdoors, HA fillers are an excellent choice because they help retain skin moisture and volume — both of which are challenged by the desert’s dry air and intense sunlight.
Longer-Lasting Options: Non-HA Fillers
Non-hyaluronic acid fillers, like Radiesse® and Bellafill®, provide longer-term correction.
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Radiesse® is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres and usually lasts 12–18 months.
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Bellafill® uses PMMA microspheres that stimulate natural collagen production and has an FDA indication of up to 5 years.
These collagen-stimulating fillers are often preferred in Arizona for deeper folds and facial contouring, especially when patients want lasting definition that withstands sun exposure and active lifestyles.
Alternative Option: Fat Transfer
For patients seeking potentially permanent results, autologous fat transfer (using your own fat) can be an option. That said, like fat in other parts of our bodies, as we gain or lose weight, the fat that has been injected into the face for contouring, can also vary depending upon the patient’s weight.
I find fat to be somewhat unpredictable and use it more for its skin rejuvenation benefits, due in large part to the high concentration of stem cells found in fatty tissue – as opposed to using it solely for volume replacement.
Other Factors That Affect How Long Fillers Last
Several patient-related factors influence duration:
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Metabolism and activity level: Highly active patients or those who exercise frequently tend to metabolize filler faster.
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Sun exposure: Arizona’s strong UV rays can accelerate breakdown of hyaluronic acid.
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Amount of product used: Under-correction (too little filler) may look good initially but wear off sooner once swelling subsides.
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Post-care habits: Avoiding heat exposure, using daily SPF, and maintaining hydration can extend your results.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also shares expert tips on how to make your injectable fillers last longer, including lifestyle habits, skincare choices, and post-treatment care.
Final Thoughts
Filler longevity varies widely, from 6 months to several years, depending on product type, placement, and individual factors. For most Arizona patients, a combination of good hydration, sun protection, and appropriate filler choice delivers the best, longest-lasting results.
If you’re unfamiliar with the different types and purposes of fillers, our guide on what dermal fillers are and how they work explains the basics.
