Woman (model) runs a hand through her hair thoughtfully.

Dermal fillers can help people feel more confident in their own skin by enhancing their natural features and addressing signs of aging or other concerns. But at what age should you get dermal fillers? What can they do for you? How long do they last? We answer those questions and more in this guide to dermal fillers.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gels that are injected into the skin to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They’re made of synthetic or natural materials, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid, that can be safely absorbed by the body.

What Can Dermal Fillers Treat?

Dermal fillers can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Wrinkles and lines. Dermal fillers fill in wrinkles and lines on the face, including nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth), marionette lines (the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin), and other creases.
  • Lost volume. As we age, we lose the youthful fullness in our faces, resulting in a sunken or hollow appearance. Dermal fillers restore that diminishing volume, especially in the cheeks, temples, under-eye area, and jawline.
  • Lip enhancement. Lip fillers enhance the size and shape of the lips and fill in fine lines around the mouth. In some cases, the filler can even improve the color of your lips.
  • Hand rejuvenation. Dermal fillers restore volume to the back of the hands, making them look more youthful.
  • Nose contouring. Fillers are used in nonsurgical rhinoplasty procedures to temporarily reshape the nose, making it appear straighter, refining the nasal tip, or improving the bridge.
This 43 year-old woman received injections of Belotero® and Voluma™ to restore volume to the tear trough and midface. ‘After’ photos shown 15 days post injection.

Check out our before-and-after gallery to see some of our other patients’ dermal filler results.

What Is a Good Age To Start Getting Fillers?

The age you should start getting dermal fillers is a personal decision that depends on many factors, including your cosmetic goals, skin condition, and overall health.

Dermal fillers are most commonly used to treat signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of volume in the face. Therefore, most people who get dermal fillers are in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or older. (People who get fillers for wrinkles often combine their treatment with BOTOX® Cosmetic for optimal results.)

However, some people may choose to get dermal fillers at a younger age to enhance certain features or address specific concerns. For example, dermal fillers can enhance the lips, cheeks, nose, or jawline, even in younger people who don’t have significant signs of aging. Fillers can address some asymmetries of the face, and scars as well.

What To Expect When You Get a Dermal Filler?

The process of getting dermal fillers typically involves several steps:

  • The first step is to schedule a consultation with a qualified, experienced provider. During the consultation, they’ll evaluate your skin and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine if dermal fillers are a good option for you. They may also discuss the types of fillers available and which are best for your needs.
  • On the day of the procedure, your injector will clean the treatment area, and they may apply a topical anesthetic to help numb the area and minimize discomfort.
  • The filler will be injected into the treatment area using a fine needle or cannula. Your injector will assess your initial results and perform additional injections, if needed, to achieve optimal results.
  • You may experience some swelling, redness, and bruising in the treated area. This is normal and typically resolves within a few days. You’ll be provided specific aftercare instructions to minimize discomfort and promote healing.

The process of getting dermal fillers is quick and minimally invasive, with most treatments taking less than an hour to complete. There’s no downtime, and most patients simply go about their day as usual afterward.

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

This 44 year-old man was treated with Sculptra®. ‘After’ photos shown 2 years 1 month post injection.

The longevity of dermal fillers can vary depending on several factors, including the type of filler used, the location of the injection, and your metabolism. Most dermal fillers generally last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Hyaluronic acid fillers, the most commonly used type of filler, typically last between 6 and 18 months, depending on the specific product and the injection location. Other types of fillers, such as calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-L-lactic acid, tend to last longer—up to 2 years.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Like any medical procedure, dermal fillers come with some risk of complications. However, most complications are relatively rare, and the risk can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced provider and following proper aftercare instructions.

Request a Consultation

If you’re interested in speaking with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon about dermal fillers, call my Las Vegas office today at (702) 450-0777 or request a consultation using the online form.

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