Is There Anything You Can Do to Make Fillers Last Longer?

As many people in the greater Bay Area have discovered, there’s nothing like dermal fillers to help you feel fresh-faced and fabulous – without the downtime or pain associated with more invasive anti-aging treatments. However, you might have found yourself frustrated when you need to return to the doctor’s office for a refresher treatment much sooner than you hoped.

Metabolism is one of the most significant factors affecting how long fillers last. You and a friend might get the same amount of fillers injected on the same day, yet you find yours wearing off sooner. While there’s no way to guarantee how long your fillers will persist before you start thinking about a maintenance appointment, consider the following tips to help increase your time between treatments.

Time Your Treatments

It’s better to keep up with your dermal fillers than let them go and have to start from scratch. Dr. Matarasso recommends his patients follow a treatment schedule for injectables so that they can get the next set of injections before their previous results fully wear off.

Typically, we suggest follow-up sessions every six to 12 months. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Matarasso can recommend the appropriate length of time to wait between appointments, based on the filler used and your specific anti-aging concerns.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Especially with hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvéderm®, proper hydration can extend the longevity of your treatments. Apply a lightweight moisturizer for daytime use, and choose a thicker one for overnight hydration. The more water you drink throughout the day, the better off you’ll be. Always keep a glass of fresh, cool water within reach, instead of defaulting to sugary, carbonated sodas and energy drinks. Aim for at least 64 ounces of water a day. You can also get hydration from fresh fruits and vegetables like melons, lettuce, and cucumbers.

De-Stress

Stress can take a heavy toll on your physical and psychological well-being, including causing you to age more rapidly. While leading an entirely stress-free lifestyle is virtually impossible in this day and age, you can still take steps to bring more calm into your world.

If you’re always on the go and feel like your stress levels are out of control, carve out time for healthy self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and yoga. Each of these can help bring a sense of peace to your day. Many tasty foods – such as tea, dark chocolate, blueberries, almonds, and milk – can also help alleviate stress, so be sure to add more of these to your diet.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Sunshine feels good on your skin, but overexposure to damaging UV rays can cause premature aging and cause your injectables to break down sooner. After any non-surgical skincare treatment, avoid spending time outside without proper protection. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and be sure to reapply it every few hours. A wide-brimmed hat, a lightweight cover-up, and a pair of sunglasses with UV-protecting lenses will round out your sun-protection kit.

Come in for a Visit

Fillers can help subtly refresh your appearance and provide you with noticeably youthful contours without stitches or surgery. If you want to learn more about the benefits of dermal fillers and how to make them last longer, invest in your skin by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Seth L. Matarasso today.